The Humane Society of the United States Deploys Disaster Services Team to Assist in California Wildfires Rescue

SACRAMENTO, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As wildfires continue to engulf Southern California, The Humane Society of the United States, at the request of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, is assisting in the rescue efforts for the thousands of animals who are in harm's way.

"The situation has become menacing for the residents and animals in the area," said Melissa Rubin, vice president of field services for The HSUS. "Many residents were able to take their animals with them as they evacuated. Unfortunately, it is much harder to evacuate horses and farm animals. When San Diego Animal Control reached out to us for assistance, we quickly agreed to devote considerable resources to this monumental rescue effort."

Due to their vast experience in large animal handling and in handling animals under severe stress, more than 20 HSUS Disaster Services staff from across the country deployed to California to rescue horses, farm animals and pets affected by the rapidly advancing fires. Within 12 hours of receiving San Diego's request for assistance, members of The HSUS were on the ground assessing the situation and providing animal care assistance.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization -- backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at http://humanesociety.org