The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been working to help those affected by the Woolsey Fire, and announced Wednesday a hotline number for people to call for assistance.
Since Sunday, the ASPCA -- at the request of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control -- has deployed its disaster response team to the Southland, said Dick Green, senior director of ASPCA Disaster Response.
ASPCA personnel have helped hundreds of displaced animals and their owners at pet-friendly evacuation shelters, including Hansen Dam and Pierce College, Green said. Also, the ASPCA will support county officials with requests for assistance with animals remaining in fire-stricken areas.
Residents in need of emergency sheltering for their pets or requiring assistance with pets who remain in the evacuated areas are encouraged to call (818) 991-0071, or go to www.lacounty.gov/woolseyfire.
"The wildfires in Northern and Southern California are putting hundreds of thousands of people, including their pets, at grave risk, and the ASPCA is committed to working alongside Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control to provide life-saving assistance for animals and pet owners impacted by this devastating situation," Green said.
"We are working closely with local officials to continuously assess the situation and provide critical support to help rescue and care for animals impacted by these fires."
The ASPCA deploys its disaster response teams nationwide to assist in relocation, search-and-rescue, sheltering, and reunification efforts during disaster situations including wildfires, tornadoes, and floods.
According to the county Department of Animal Care and Control, the agency -- with the help of the ASPCA and various other animal-service organizations -- has sheltered more than 800 animals since the fire erupted, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, llamas, donkeys and other large animals.
The department's Agoura Animal Care Center was evacuated on Friday, and the animals were all moved to the county's other six shelters.
