Is there an Animal Response Team?

[voltage1256 42]

I know how at WC DES there's the garages with Tech Rech, Haz Mat, Mobile Comm.. etc... I know on DES's website there is something about an Animal Response Team, but there isnt too much information out there on it. Is anyone here involved in it or willing to shed some light on their purpose?

[Disaster_Guy 96]

That's correct, WC-DES manages the Westchester County Animal Response Team (WesCART). They are a active volunteer group that "responds to emergencies that require animal rescue, evacuation, veterinary disaster care, and the sheltering of pets during a major disaster. WesCART is active in educating the public concerning disaster preparedness and pets." In English, when a disaster strikes and the need for pet sheltering or care arises, this group is the one to call. Since pets are not allowed into shelters, there really is a huge need for a specialized group like this to provide care for animals during disasters. I know for a fact that my local CERT has WesCART as their POC if a client arrives with pets and they can't find anywhere else to put them. At the Fire Training Center there is a WesCART trailer with their equipment. Check out the Facebook Page to see pictures of them in action. I don't really know much more about them because I am not a member, just a supporter.

For anyone who is interested, they are having a meeting tomorrow:

WesCART General Membership Meeting

Date: 9/22/2011

Time: 7 PM

Room #3

Location: Westchester County DES

4 Dana Rd. Valhalla NY 10595

Parking for The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services is located in the visitor lot at 35 Walker Road. Please park in the upper lot and proceed down the stairs to the rear entrance of the building.

If anyone looking for more information they can contact them at the links below:

http://emergencyserv...l-response-team, http://www.westchest...ems/WesCART.htm, http://www.facebook....180390625335395.

[voltage1256 42]

Gotcha! I was thinking they were more on the side of Animal "Technical" Rescue side of things. Learned something new though!

[Disaster_Guy 96]

Gotcha! I was thinking they were more on the side of Animal "Technical" Rescue side of things. Learned something new though!

While I most certainly am not speaking on behalf of WesCART, my impression is that their main disaster response action is the sheltering of pets, although I'm quite sure that they are trained in animal technical rescue as well.

[Bnechis 3,961]

Since pets are not allowed into shelters, there really is a huge need for a specialized group like this to provide care for animals during disasters.

Great info, thanks.

After Katrina, Federal Law mandate that all shealters must accept pets. Most do not have the ability (but have to) so they need a team like this to help.

[LTNRFD 266]

Great info, thanks.

After Katrina, Federal Law mandate that all shealters must accept pets. Most do not have the ability (but have to) so they need a team like this to help.

And you can always call the PETAMEDICS !!!!

[ptwatson 82]

Great info, thanks.

After Katrina, Federal Law mandate that all shealters must accept pets. Most do not have the ability (but have to) so they need a team like this to help.

I wonder how many people/agencies know this. I had no idea of the mandate till it was posted here. It would be good to get that word out to the general public so they can plan more accordingly in case they need to evacuate. With the recent hurricane none of the news agencies reported that every shelter by Fed. mandate had to accept your pets. With the mandate, shelters now need a game plan to provide for these pets. In my opinion it's a great mandate that I think will save lives. Pets are a big part of the family and have huge emotional attachment. I don't know how many people could honestly just walk out on their pets to fend for themselves. I know I couldn't with my two Dalmatians.

[JohnnyOV 2]

Agencies cannot get an ambulance out for a possible heart attack, and we have entire teams devoted to helping animals? Priorities people.....

[ny10570 745]

Agencies cannot get an ambulance out for a possible heart attack, and we have entire teams devoted to helping animals? Priorities people.....

We have a group of volunteers committed to helping pets and other animal during an emergency. Hardly a distraction from anyone's attempt at maintaining a functional EMS system. As for the priority of pets and animals try getting people to evacuate without their pets. Until their lives are actually in immanent danger of being lost many choose to stay with their pets. So, providing a simple resource that gets more people to evacuate before becoming victims that then put responders lives at risk is a waste?

[helicopper 1,050]

Agencies cannot get an ambulance out for a possible heart attack, and we have entire teams devoted to helping animals? Priorities people.....

If this was a group of EMT's and/or medics or say the ABC VAC or 123 FD opting to create an animal rescue team, I'd agree with you but the people that staff this team are animal specialists (vets, vet techs, etc.) so no humans are suffering as a result of this program.

Don't blame the dysfunctional, fragmented EMS system on a well-intentioned group of people who exist only to care for our animals. This was a lesson learned after Katrina and several other disasters that we actually made an improvement on. Not one EMS resource is diverted by this initiative.

[Disaster_Guy 96]

I wonder how many people/agencies know this. I had no idea of the mandate till it was posted here. It would be good to get that word out to the general public so they can plan more accordingly in case they need to evacuate. With the recent hurricane none of the news agencies reported that every shelter by Fed. mandate had to accept your pets. With the mandate, shelters now need a game plan to provide for these pets. In my opinion it's a great mandate that I think will save lives. Pets are a big part of the family and have huge emotional attachment. I don't know how many people could honestly just walk out on their pets to fend for themselves. I know I couldn't with my two Dalmatians.

I don't think that there is a federal mandate for shelters to accept pets. The American Red Cross has a Federal Mandate from Congress as well as an agreement with FEMA that the Red Cross will provide the shelters, and I know that Red Cross shelter do not accept pets (only service animals). Can you try to find a link to the mandate you are referring to? In my experience and knowledge, shelters refer the pet owners to other agencies, such as WesCART or local pet shelters (like the Humane Society).

[SageVigiles 1,194]

I don't think that there is a federal mandate for shelters to accept pets. The American Red Cross has a Federal Mandate from Congress as well as an agreement with FEMA that the Red Cross will provide the shelters, and I know that Red Cross shelter do not accept pets (only service animals). Can you try to find a link to the mandate you are referring to? In my experience and knowledge, shelters refer the pet owners to other agencies, such as WesCART or local pet shelters (like the Humane Society).

Maybe purely Red Cross run shelters don't, but if the Red Cross comes into New Haven county to run one of our shelters, there will be a pet shelter set up, regardless of ARC's policies. Red Cross may not OPERATE the animal shelter, but it really isn't up to them whether or not we run one out of the same location. They aren't an authority having jurisdiction, just a supporting agency. We have the State Animal Response Team (SART) supplemented by local Animal Control Officers to handle this side of the operation.

The idea is that people won't come to shelters if they can't bring their pets, who they consider part of their families. If we don't accept pets, those people will stay home, and we will have to send manpower out to get them as the incident escalates. Either that, or we can't send people out and they are put in harm's way. So pet sheltering (which operates under ESF-11 instead of ESF-8 like regular mass care/sheltering) does play an important role in shelter operations.

I cannot recall whether or not Pet Sheltering was required by FEMA post-Katrina, but I know it was strongly suggested. I would be wary of saying it was a "federal law" without actually citing a US Code that says so.

[ex-commish 490]

Agencies cannot get an ambulance out for a possible heart attack, and we have entire teams devoted to helping animals? Priorities people.....

I guess you can use the same argument for the county's TRT, HAZMAT, etc...not thier fault local agencies have staffing issues. There are people who are committed to the safety and well being of animals and as a pet owner I am glad they are around and will support thier existence.

[ckroll 101]

I cannot recall whether or not Pet Sheltering was required by FEMA post-Katrina, but I know it was strongly suggested. I would be wary of saying it was a "federal law" without actually citing a US Code that says so.

If someone could provide information on this law it would be greatly appreciated. It is nothing of which I am aware. Pet sheltering is complicated given potential for disease spread, among other things. For this reason co-sheltering pets and people under emergency circumstances is problematic.

[INIT915 1,119]

Agencies cannot get an ambulance out for a possible heart attack, and we have entire teams devoted to helping animals? Priorities people.....

Odds are these are generally going to be two different groups of people, so unlikely they will be forced to choose between the "heart attack" and "helping animals". Not everyone is cut out for EMS (or FF and LE for that matter.) This just seems like another option for those who wish to volunteer.

[ckroll 101]

Odds are these are generally going to be two different groups of people, so unlikely they will be forced to choose between the "heart attack" and "helping animals". Not everyone is cut out for EMS (or FF and LE for that matter.) This just seems like another option for those who wish to volunteer.

And Garden Clubs... What is WRONG with those women?

[Bnechis 3,961]

I don't think that there is a federal mandate for shelters to accept pets. The American Red Cross has a Federal Mandate from Congress as well as an agreement with FEMA that the Red Cross will provide the shelters, and I know that Red Cross shelter do not accept pets (only service animals). Can you try to find a link to the mandate you are referring to? In my experience and knowledge, shelters refer the pet owners to other agencies, such as WesCART or local pet shelters (like the Humane Society).

Link as requested

PUBLIC LAW 109–308

In multiple meetings with FEMA, SEMO and the Red Cross they all have refered to both this law and the reason behind it (that people will not evacuate to a shelter and leave pets behind). Notice they consider pets & service animals to be the same.

[ptwatson 82]

Here ya go:

H.R.3858

Latest Title: Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006

Sponsor: Rep Lantos, Tom [CA-12] (introduced 9/22/2005) Cosponsors (110)

Related Bills: S.2548

Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 109-308 [GPO: Text, PDF]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY AS OF:

10/6/2006--Public Law. (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on August 4, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.

Authorizes the Director to: (1) study and develop plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency; and (2) make financial contributions, on the basis of programs or projects approved by the Director, to the states and local authorities for animal emergency preparedness purposes, including the procurement, construction, leasing, or renovating of emergency shelter facilities and materials that will accommodate people with pets and service animals.

Authorizes federal agencies to provide, as assistance essential to meeting threats to life and property resulting from a major disaster, rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs to individuals with household pets and service animals and to such pets and animals.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[JohnnyOV 2]

We have a group of volunteers committed to helping pets and other animal during an emergency. Hardly a distraction from anyone's attempt at maintaining a functional EMS system. As for the priority of pets and animals try getting people to evacuate without their pets. Until their lives are actually in immanent danger of being lost many choose to stay with their pets. So, providing a simple resource that gets more people to evacuate before becoming victims that then put responders lives at risk is a waste?

Don't blame the dysfunctional, fragmented EMS system on a well-intentioned group of people who exist only to care for our animals. This was a lesson learned after Katrina and several other disasters that we actually made an improvement on. Not one EMS resource is diverted by this initiative.

Calm down everyone.

My statement was not a dig at the individuals who perform the assistance to the animals in a time of crisis. Kudos to them for finding a niche they love, much like the garden club women. It was more a statement to our government, who would rather support an animal rescue team, then address a serious problem with EMS as a whole in the county. No one wants to step on anyone's toes as for fear of losing votes, or hurting people's feelings.

I guess you can use the same argument for the county's TRT, HAZMAT, etc...not thier fault local agencies have staffing issues.

I'll absolutely use this argument, but go down a side path. First off, why does the county even need to have a TRT team, when there is an entire team fully staffed, well trained firemen, made up of down county departments? Training twice a month on water rescue (dive, swift, flood water), confined space rescue, trench rescue, high angle rescue, collapse rescue, ect. ect. is just too much for a volunteer organization. Stick with a single type of operation and master it if you're going to train so infrequently on it. Me personally? I'd call Yonkers/Greenburg tech rescue or Bronx Rescue 3 first if there was a technical rescue so in depth that it required an outside team to assist. They've been training for years, have a proven track record, and I know I'm getting dedicated personnel.

Second, if the home department is having severe staffing issues, time to bite the bullet and explore your options other then a strictly volunteer department.

Edited September 23, 2011 by JohnnyOV

[ckroll 101]

Calm down everyone.

My statement was not a dig at the individuals who perform the assistance to the animals in a time of crisis. Kudos to them for finding a niche they love, much like the garden club women. It was more a statement to our government, who would rather support an animal rescue team, then address a serious problem with EMS as a whole in the county.

First, it most certainly is a dig at individuals who participate in ART's. If you're going to put it out there, stand by what you've said, or be human about it and apologise.

Second, know what you are talking about. //www.empiresart.com/ These are RESPONSE teams, not rescue or field teams. The intent is to plan in advance of disasters so that facilities that may be appropriate for sheltering can be identified and the logistics worked out prior to the emergency. The intent specifically is so that rescue of pets or their people can be avoided.

Your assumption that EMS and ARTs are mutually exclusive or even related is not substantiated. Neither is your assertion correct about government priorities.

Third, if you have chest pain and my cats are about drown...... take aspirin and call me back in the morning.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Calm down everyone.

I'll absolutely use this argument, but go down a side path. First off, why does the county even need to have a TRT team

I'm going to have to report you to ASPCA for cruelty to animals. Its not right to beat a dead horse...

[JohnnyOV 2]

First, it most certainly is a dig at individuals who participate in ART's. If you're going to put it out there, stand by what you've said, or be human about it and apologise.

I am standing by what I said by clarifying it. You're twisting what I was saying to make it seem like I have a gripe about the individuals on the team, which is absolutely incorrect. I will not apologize for something you have convoluted. For a second there, I thought I was going to have to wear tin foil on my head....

Second, know what you are talking about. //www.empiresart.com/ These are RESPONSE teams, not rescue or field teams. The intent is to plan in advance of disasters so that facilities that may be appropriate for sheltering can be identified and the logistics worked out prior to the emergency. The intent specifically is so that rescue of pets or their people can be avoided.

Your assumption that EMS and ARTs are mutually exclusive or even related is not substantiated. Neither is your assertion correct about government priorities.

I am not saying they are in a direct relationship to one another. I am only saying that as of right now, a county managed department exists for an animal response team, which seems to have a plan in order and logistics set up to work effectively in an emergency. The disorder that exists and game of chance that you play when you dial 911 for an ambulance however, is the exact opposite. Yesterday 3 different departments couldn't fill a crew for a fall victim....

Third, if you have chest pain and my cats are about drown...... take aspirin and call me back in the morning.

I'll take an aspirin and drive myself to the hospital, I'll have better chance then someone actually showing up and getting definitive help around this area.

[helicopper 1,050]

I am standing by what I said by clarifying it. You're twisting what I was saying to make it seem like I have a gripe about the individuals on the team, which is absolutely incorrect. I will not apologize for something you have convoluted. For a second there, I thought I was going to have to wear tin foil on my head....

I am not saying they are in a direct relationship to one another. I am only saying that as of right now, a county managed department exists for an animal response team, which seems to have a plan in order and logistics set up to work effectively in an emergency. The disorder that exists and game of chance that you play when you dial 911 for an ambulance however, is the exact opposite. Yesterday 3 different departments couldn't fill a crew for a fall victim....

I don't think we're twisting around what you're saying. I read what you wrote and understand your points but they're as related as apples and wing-nuts. There is no correlation between an animal rescue team and the provision of routine EMS.

[JM15 386]

I'll absolutely use this argument, but go down a side path. First off, why does the county even need to have a TRT team, when there is an entire team fully staffed, well trained firemen, made up of down county departments? Training twice a month on water rescue (dive, swift, flood water), confined space rescue, trench rescue, high angle rescue, collapse rescue, ect. ect. is just too much for a volunteer organization. Stick with a single type of operation and master it if you're going to train so infrequently on it. Me personally? I'd call Yonkers/Greenburg tech rescue or Bronx Rescue 3 first if there was a technical rescue so in depth that it required an outside team to assist. They've been training for years, have a proven track record, and I know I'm getting dedicated personnel.

I don't know where you are making the connection between these two different topics? As I recall the counties TRT was recently acknowledged at the last meeting of the Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs for rescues in Ossining, Croton and upstate during the flooding... Couldn't the same argument be made about smaller volunteer FD run teams such as Yorktown's Swift Water Rescue team?

[JohnnyOV 2]

Couldn't the same argument be made about smaller volunteer FD run teams such as Yorktown's Swift Water Rescue team?

Which specializes in only water rescue, trains multiple times a month in only water rescue, and has members who are water rescue certified from advanced dive operations, to advanced swift water technician who have been training and in operation for years?

[ny10570 745]

Lets pretend for a minute that the county can step in and mandate functional changes to the EMS system. I mean we've all been around this board enough to be well versed in home rule and yadda yadda yadda to know that the county can do nothing to force change upon the EMS system. So, you're saying that until they get EMS squared away every other function should stop?? Public Safety, parks and rec, public health, transportation, etc should all cease to function or at least be ignored until EMS is fixed?

I get it that maybe one would want to be sure EMS, if its provision was within the county's span of control, received the maximum attention available but just because one program you deem superfluous is functioning does not mean that it is taking resources away from one that is floundering.

Edited September 23, 2011 by ny10570

[ex-commish 490]

Second, if the home department is having severe staffing issues, time to bite the bullet and explore your options other then a strictly volunteer department.

Brother I agree with this but what does local staffing have to do with an animal rescue team run by the county or any team for that matter? I fail to see what the issue is.

[ptwatson 82]

I think we saw in Katrina and possibly other disasters that people are not going to abandon their pets. They stay in their residence with their pets until the "oh s***" hour in which case lots of times its too late to call emergency services. It makes totaly logical sense that the law was passed so that if people know they can bring Fido with them to a dry safe place they will be more inclinded to do so before that "oh s***" hour. It will save ememgrency services a lot of time and resources and be safer for the public and the first responders. As far as the whole pet rescue squad vs EMS debate one has nothing to do with the other. I do not know all that much about the EMS service except the fact that every time me or my family have called for a bus they have arrived and been extremly professional and life saving...literaly! Thank you to all of our VAC's and career companies who do a bang up job in Westchester and throughout! Also, I dont see why the county can't have volunteer special opeation's squads. I am sure the members are professional, knowlegable and dedicated as mentioned above in Croton and other incidents throughout the area. Thank you for your service. It's also great that we have Yonkers and Greenburg career guys in SOC as well. Just makes the county's emergency service that much better. And on a side note I dont see FDNY RES3CUE Big Blue responding into Westchester any time soon!

[grumpyff 1,159]

Based on my experiences, I would rather save an animal than the person.

[MoFire390 118]

so does this team take all types of animals??? i know down south they r having a huge problem with rock pythons in the glades...is this team able to accomidate someone with a snake as a pet??