Animal owners should prepare now for storm
Department of Agriculture | News | Date Posted: Sunday, October 28, 2012
Department of Agriculture | News | Date Posted: Sunday, October 28, 2012
DOVER – Farmers and pet owners should take immediate precautions to protect their animals with Hurricane Sandy expected to arrive near Delaware over the weekend, the state’s agricultural and animal welfare officials are urging.
“Preparing and acting early can save the lives of your animals,” said Delaware State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who heads the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section. “People who own animals should not wait until the last minute to get ready for a storm.”
The Department’s Delaware Animal Response Program works with state emergency officials and animal welfare organizations to assist animal owners with preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation.
“Owners have a responsibility to care for all of their animals, and should be taking steps now to make sure they are safe,” said Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Gina Jensen.
If evacuations are ordered, please have several evacuation route options planned. Delaware shelters which welcome small pets will be designated as pet-friendly shelters, and that information will be provided as shelters become available. Ultimately, owners are responsible for the care of their animals. If evacuated to a pet-friendly shelter, please be prepared to provide any ongoing medications, such as insulin, and also provide a photo ID of your pet.
Hirst said farmers and livestock owners should especially plan in advance by examining their land and structures. “A storm presents multiple threats to animals – high winds could collapse buildings, power could go out, or low land could flood,” she said. “Think about where you could move animals in case of flooding and evaluate your outbuildings. Livestock owners should make sure generators are running properly and have fuel.”
The Department of Agriculture recommends that animal owners take the following precautions:
Livestock and small flock owners
Poultry
The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., recommends that commercial poultry growers take steps that include the following:
Pets
Key tips are also available at http://dda.delaware.gov/storm_preparedness.shtml.
Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520
Related Topics: livestock, pets, poultry, sandy
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Department of Agriculture | News | Date Posted: Sunday, October 28, 2012
DOVER – Farmers and pet owners should take immediate precautions to protect their animals with Hurricane Sandy expected to arrive near Delaware over the weekend, the state’s agricultural and animal welfare officials are urging.
“Preparing and acting early can save the lives of your animals,” said Delaware State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who heads the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section. “People who own animals should not wait until the last minute to get ready for a storm.”
The Department’s Delaware Animal Response Program works with state emergency officials and animal welfare organizations to assist animal owners with preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation.
“Owners have a responsibility to care for all of their animals, and should be taking steps now to make sure they are safe,” said Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Gina Jensen.
If evacuations are ordered, please have several evacuation route options planned. Delaware shelters which welcome small pets will be designated as pet-friendly shelters, and that information will be provided as shelters become available. Ultimately, owners are responsible for the care of their animals. If evacuated to a pet-friendly shelter, please be prepared to provide any ongoing medications, such as insulin, and also provide a photo ID of your pet.
Hirst said farmers and livestock owners should especially plan in advance by examining their land and structures. “A storm presents multiple threats to animals – high winds could collapse buildings, power could go out, or low land could flood,” she said. “Think about where you could move animals in case of flooding and evaluate your outbuildings. Livestock owners should make sure generators are running properly and have fuel.”
The Department of Agriculture recommends that animal owners take the following precautions:
Livestock and small flock owners
Poultry
The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., recommends that commercial poultry growers take steps that include the following:
Pets
Key tips are also available at http://dda.delaware.gov/storm_preparedness.shtml.
Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520
Related Topics: livestock, pets, poultry, sandy
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.