California Wildfires Threaten Animals

PlusCalifornia Wildfires Threaten AnimalsCalifornia Wildfires Threaten AnimalsThe Associated PressThe area where wildfires are burning along the California coastline is dotted with hundreds of farms and ranches. Animal rescue crews are staying busy trying to protect the animals. (July 2)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] (locator - Salinas, CA)16-YEAR-OLD ILANA PICKARD TRIES TO FOCUS ON HER SCHOOL WORK BUT HER THOUGHTS ARE MILES AWAY...WITH HER KIDS.(goat nats)HER GOATS HAD TO BE EVACUATED FROM HER FAMILY'S FARM TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER DUE TO THE WILDFIRE BURNING NEARBY.Ilana Pickard, Goat Owner, says: "I'm scared because they're away from home and I have them on a schedule so when I see them they go crazy like oh it's mommy!"BUT THE GOATS ARE NOT ALONE...(nats - shelter closes trailer)THE SHELTER HAS RESCUED MORE THAN A HUNDRED ANIMALS SO FAR INCLUDING RABBITS, SHEEP AND A 250-POUND POT-BELLIED PIG NAMED DAISY.(pig nats)Lisa Hoefler, SPCA for Monterey County, says: "About 8 wonderful firefighters stopped their jobs very briefly to help lift her up and get her into a vehicle and we were able to drive her out."IT'S NOT JUST FARM ANIMALS. CATS AND DOGS ARE STAYING HERE TOO WHILE THEIR OWNERS ARE IN EMERGENCY SHELTERS.Lisa Hoefler, SPCA for Monterey County, says: "It's hard to watch on the one hand but it's good to know we're able to help and that these animals are now safe." Ilana Pickard, Goat Owner, says: "They were always first priority because they can't fend for themselves. I have to do that for them."SO FAR NO INJURED PEOPLE OR ANIMALS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE WILDFIRE. HAVEN DALEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA.

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: July 3, 2008 at 12:43 am
Author: AssociatedPress

Length: 01:23
Rating: 4.78
Views: 3573

Tags: animals  california  threaten  wildfires  wildfiresanimals  

Video Comments