Volunteers caring for livestock
Livestock such as these goats along with other large animals were evacuated to and housed at the Spokane County Fairgrounds during the days of and after the Gray Fire.
SPOKANE VALLEY – Many groups have stepped up efforts to help evacuate, house, care for and reunite animals with their families after regional fires drove thousands of people and animals to evacuate.
The Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team, otherwise known as HEART, has been helping with animals taken to the Spokane County Fairgrounds and evacuation centers.
According to the group's President, Marian Ortiz, they have housed and cared for over 550 animals at one point while volunteering at the fairgrounds. She also said that number is constantly in flow as people pick up animals and others are brought in.
Ortiz said while they do accept volunteers, they can't accept walk-in volunteers due to a screening process they have to follow. Also food and supply donations for the current process should go through the Emergency Management System, because the non-profit is working under them.
Horses, cattle, pigs, goats and other large animals have been housed at the fairgrounds, while other smaller animals were taken to shelters with their owners.
Community support has helped as well as people have been bringing in truckloads of hay, vegetables, food and other supplies to keep the critters cared for.
"Caring for livestock and farm animals is a bit different that typical pets," Ortiz said. "But our volunteers g through specific training and are experienced in dealing with larger animals."
Owners have been able to utilize the fairgrounds to exercise and walk larger animals like horses as well, and expressed gratitude for the efforts of those involved.
After the evacuation notices were downgraded, some owners were able to return home with their animals.
On the other side of the coin, as some animals are returning home, more are also coming in but Ortiz said the group is "in it for the long haul."
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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