Maui County Takes Steps to Assist Animals in Lahaina Burn Zone
Over a week after wildfires decimated the historic town of Lāhainā, there have been numerous reports of live animals in the affected area. On Aug. 18, peaceful protestors took to the streets to express concerns over animal rescuers being denied access to the cleared areas of Lāhainā Town.
Just one day later, the County of Maui has addressed these concerns and taken steps to offer assistance.
That said, the action taken does not yet meet protestors’ request for a certified animal rescue team be escorted into the restricted area of Lāhainā to retrieve pets and animals trapped in the burn zone.
Instead of granting new access to animal rescuers, authorized personnel have been instructed to report animal sightings to the Maui County Emergency Operations Center. This information will then be passed on to Humane Society experts, “so they can safely support the reported animals,” as stated in a Maui County press release.
Additionally, the Maui Humane Society is working to search the perimeter of the burn zone.
The county provided a reminder that surviving pets may be burned, injured and/or exposed to hazardous materials or chemicals. It also offered a list of steps to take when encountering an impacted animal:
Stabilize the animal, especially if they’re dehydrated, unable to walk, in shock or appear severely ill.
Decontaminate, including bathing them with water and mild shampoo until all visible ash is removed.
Hospitalize, if needed.
Return to their owner or an emergency pet shelter like the Maui Humane Society.
Observe for several weeks and take them to a veterinarian if signs of illness occur.
American Red Cross is assisting with pet reunification efforts, with 71 animals currently housed with families in non-congregate shelters, according to the Aug. 19 news release.
Displaced families who need help with short-term shelter for their pets can coordinate with Home to Home Animal Adoption — which is offering temporary foster care for all animals, including horses and reptiles — and/or BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management initiative. These programs will allow affected individuals to focus on other disaster-related issues.
Those needing to relinquish their pets entirely can work with the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation, which is committed to placing animals in no-kill shelters.
The Maui Humane Society is the main emergency pet shelter on the island and is currently caring for 88 animals that have been affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires. The organization can also help with emergency assistance or placement of pets as well as transportation off-island.
To contact the Maui Humane Society, call 808-877-3680 or email info@mauihumanesociety.org.
*Lead image credit Mike Masoner Jr. / Facebook
