WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, November 2, 2020 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced PEDIGREE Foundation awarded them a $5,000 grant in support of American Humane’s disaster relief efforts in Northern California. The American Humane Rescue team deployed to assist with shelter operations and provide care for more than 200 animal victims of the California wildfires that ravaged more than 4 million acres.
“The destructive California fires have left animals homeless, panicked, and, too often, fighting for their lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “American Humane’s dedicated first responders work sunrise to sundown to ensure animals pulled from the flames are safe, cared for and loved. We are so grateful to the PEDIGREE Foundation for helping us have the critical resources we need to answer calls for help.”
The North Complex Fire, which began in mid-August, is now ranked fifth in California as being the deadliest fire in modern history. Working under the North Valley Animal Disaster Group at the request of Butte County, American Humane’s rescue team deployed to the western end of the North Complex Fire, at two vital shelters in Oroville, California. These shelters included dogs, cats, bunnies and exotic birds and many were injured, hungry and dangerously close to death. The grant from the PEDIGREE Foundation will help the American Humane’s rescue team be prepared to help animals at a moment’s notice when crises hit.
Whenever and wherever natural or manmade disasters strike, the American Humane team carefully monitors the situation and prepares to deploy resources in the most effective and efficient way possible. Tending to stranded, injured and lost animals in the wake of a natural disaster requires around-the-clock care to help ensure the mental and physical health and wellbeing of each animal.
The American Humane Rescue team was founded more than 100 years ago during World War I when the U.S. Secretary of War requested assistance caring for injured horses in war-torn Europe. Since then, American Humane’s team of animal first responders has been on the ground for virtually every disaster in our nation’s history, from Pearl Harbor, to 9/11, to Hurricane Katrina, to the devastating California wildfires and everything in between.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org.
About PEDIGREE Foundation
We believe every dog deserves a loving, forever home. PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to help end pet homelessness. Nearly 3.5 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation was established in 2008 by Mars Petcare, maker of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, to help increase dog adoption rates. We’ve awarded more than 5,500 grants and $8 million to U.S. shelters and rescues that help dogs in need. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we’re working toward a day when all dogs are safe, secure, cared for, fed well and loved. See how you can help: www.PEDIGREEFoundation.org.
