American Humane assists animals affected by Spokane fires

SPOKANE — American Humane announced Tuesday in a press release that it had deployed a rescue team to Spokane, Washington amid ongoing wildfires. The release stated that American Humane is actively surveying the needs of animals and the community.

“Spokane County Emergency Management requested our help and we immediately responded,” said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “This is the season for wildfires, hurricanes, and tropical storms. American Humane is constantly monitoring these situations and our team immediately headed to Washington to help. We will help heal the community and the animals that call it home."

According to the announcement, the fires, which began the afternoon of Aug. 18, had burned more than 20,000 acres and were still uncontained at the time of the release. The announcement stated that American Humane is working with local authorities and groups to help shelter and care for hundreds of animals – including family pets, horses, goats, sheep, chickens and more – that have been impacted by the flames.

In total, the release stated that it is estimated that more than 1,000 animals have been impacted and are being cared for across four shelter locations in the Spokane area. Two shelters are at local fairgrounds housing mostly farm animals while the other two shelters are home to pets and their families, said the announcement.