[Kausilwf]

Animal response team gears up to help pets in times of crisis

By Josh Mrozinski (Staff Writer)
Published: May 25, 2009

LORDS VALLEY - Judy Francesco considers herself an animal lover. Not only does she operate a company that provides care to pets, she also volunteers on a recently formed Wayne/Pike countIES animal response team.

"I don't want to see animals die, starve to death," Ms. Francesco said. "I hope there is never a need, but if there is a need, we have to be ready."
To be ready for an emergency, the group is encouraging people to volunteer, Ms. Francesco added.

Earlier this month, the animal response team held its first meeting. Already 18 people have agreed to be on the team, organizer Dan Potter said.
Mr. Potter, disaster service manager for the Wayne/Pike Red Cross, added the need for the rescue team is urgent because a system, including a shelter, to take care of pets during an emergency does not exist.
Red Cross shelters do not allow animals.

Four years ago, an attempt was made to establish a rescue team in Wayne and Pike counties, but the effort failed.

Often, it is hard to find people to lead the coordination of such teams, said Joel Hersh, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team.

"So, we're lucky that Dan Potter from the Red Cross has agreed to coordinate the effort," Mr. Hersh said.

Animal rescue teams are located throughout the state, including in the counties surrounding Wayne and Pike.

Mr. Hersh said the teams have helped in many situations, including in Luzerne County in June 2006, when about 15 dogs were given shelter as evacuations were ordered from fear of failing levees.

In Wayne and Pike counties, Mr. Potter said the current effort to form a rescue team will succeed, adding he hopes to recruit at least 20 volunteers.

"There will also be training, likely once a month, half a day for six months," Mr. Potter said.

Training will include sessions on incident command and hazardous materials. Rescue team members will also be trained to care for particular animals.

The animal rescue team will operate under the counties' emergency management office. Teams respond after an incident scene is declared secure and safe by emergency responders.

"This is something desperately needED in both counties," Mr. Potter said.
For more information about the animal rescue team, call Mr. Potter at 570-253-2310.

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/1.34559