10/23/2007 GAAS:851:07 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Actions Taken by CDFA to Provide Urgent Assistance to Fire Victims and Livestock, Pets
Fairgrounds and Other Facilities Open Their Doors to Shelter Animals
In coordination with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Governor Schwarzenegger announces actions taken by the department to provide urgent assistance to fire victims, their livestock and their pets. CDFA has opened fairgrounds and other facilities to provide urgent shelter for displaced residents as well as horses and other animals threatened by the Southern California wildfires.
“My administration is doing everything in its power to make sure the fire victims displaced by these tremendous wildfires have everything they need, including shelter for their livestock and animals,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Our highest priority is protecting human life. With that said, we must also do whatever we can to save and protect our livestock and animals that are affected by this emergency.”
CDFA personnel, fairgrounds employees and others in the agricultural community are supporting local rescuers and officials by providing for animals’ needs, including veterinary services, feed, temporary stalls, fencing and other basic services and supplies. The response has been tremendous and immediate, with approximately 2,000 people and 2,400 horses already being sheltered at the Del Mar Fairgrounds alone.
Below is a list of fairgrounds and facilities currently open and housing displaced fire victims and their livestock and pets:
- San Diego County Fair at Del Mar
- Del Mar Horsepark
- San Diego Polo Club
- Lakeside Rodeo
- Westfield Parkway Plaza
- The Oaks/Blenheim Exhibition Center
- Orange County Fairgrounds in Irvine
For every 100 horses sheltered, these locations will use approximately one ton of hay for feed each day. To meet these needs, personnel have been dispatched to Southern California from CDFA and other agencies to work with growers and suppliers.
In addition to sheltering animals, CDFA’s staff and facilities are aiding the transportation of milk from dairies in the fire areas to processing facilities. CDFA worked with dairies, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local authorities to facilitate the passage of milk tanker trucks to dairies in the fire area. Cows must be milked regularly to maintain their health, and the perishable product must be expeditiously delivered to processors to maintain the stability of this critical element of the state’s and the nation’s food supply.
Agriculture officials are also working to determine the needs of local poultry farms, plant nurseries and other agricultural operations that may need assistance to provide adequate protection, feed, water and other support for their animals and plants. Preparations are also underway with County Agricultural Commissioners to begin taking reports of crop losses once farmers can return to their land and assess the damage.
