ANIMAL SHELTERING AND RECOVERY

Transcription

1 PAMLICO COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN ANIMAL SHELTERING AND RECOVERY SECTION Q SMALL and LARGE ANIMALS A. SMALL ANIMALS PRIMARY AGENCY: Pamlico County NC Cooperative Extension Agent SUPPORTING AGENCIES: County Animal Response Team ( CART ) State Animal Response Team ( SART ) 1.0 INTRODUCTION There is little doubt that governments throughout the country now recognize a pro-active need for disaster planning throughout their agencies, other agencies, integrated companies, and individual citizens. This disaster planning is understandably developed with the safety of people in mind. Only recently, disaster planners have started to realize that failure to plan for the animal population will drastically affect the success of the disaster plans for people. Failure to plan for animals could cause serious public health concerns with misplaced, injured or dead animals not being handled properly or live animals or carcasses getting into streams or other public waters, or cause considerable public safely problems as animals roam unattended. In addition, failure to plan for animals will create a public relations nightmare for those agencies that the public perceives as animal responsible if animal issues are not properly addressed in the wake of a disaster. 1.1 PURPOSE STATEMENT To protect wild and domesticated animal resources, the public health, the public food supply, the environment, and to ensure the humane care and treatment of animals in case of a large-scale emergency, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wind driven water, drought, fire, explosion, building collapse, commercial transportation accidents, chemical spills, winter storm, or other situations that cause animal suffering. 1.2 SCOPE This plan is intended for use by local government to take immediate action in providing a means of care and control to minimize animal suffering in the event of a large scale emergency. This action will be aimed at all animals that may need help whether such animals are owned, stray, domestic or wild. Within Pamlico County, the Office of Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) or his authorized representative(s) may place into effect established plans and procedures, and direct both the emergency and recovery aspects of the incident. The Emergency Management Coordinator may deviate from these procedures when in his judgment, immediate and direct action is necessary to protect the public safety. 2.0 AFFECTED AGENCIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 1

2 2.1 PRIMARY AGENCIES A. Pamlico County Emergency Management Activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) if necessary. Responsible for the overall direction of the emergency incident. B. Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Director Coordinate support agencies to manage animal protection in large-scale emergencies. C. Pamlico County Health Department/Animal Control Provide guidance and support to ensure the health and safety of all citizens. Assist support agencies to manage animal protection in large-scale emergencies. D. Bay River Soil and Water Conservation District Provide personnel and support in locating displaced animals. Provide support for mortality disposal and identify potential disposal sites as a pre-need planning effort. E. North Carolina Department of Agriculture Enforce state regulations concerning livestock health and the movements of animals affected by those regulations. Provide information and direction with regard to the general health of livestock in these areas. 2.2 SUPPORTING RESOURCES A. North Carolina State Animal Response Team (SART) Provide volunteers, assistance, information, training, supplies and expertise in caring for animals. B. North Carolina Wildlife Commission Provide personnel and equipment as required to protect wildlife. C. North Carolina Forest Service Provide personnel and equipment to protect and care for animals. D. North Carolina Veterinary Medicine Association Provide personnel to aid in the medical treatment of animals. Activate regional Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams. (VMAT). E. Farm Service Agency Provide personnel and service to relocate and care for animals. F. Pamlico County Livestock Association Provide personnel, resources and equipment. G. Pamlico County Veterinarians, Vet Technicians and Vet Assistants Provide a list of volunteers to aid in the protection of animals. Provide personnel, equipment, and housing to shelter and care for pets, companion animals and livestock of evacuated citizens and in cases when established shelters are filled or destroyed. H. Integrated Poultry and Livestock Companies Provide personnel and equipment to protect, move, and relocate animals. I. Private Farms and Property Owners Provide shelter and supplies to care for displaced animals. J. Private Stables, Boarding Kennels, Dog/Cat /Horse Clubs and Pasture Owners Provide personnel, equipment, and shelter to shelter and care for displaced horses, livestock, pets and companion animals. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 2

3 K. American Humane Association/Emergency Animal Rescue Service/Humane Society of the United States. Provide personnel and equipment to rescue and care of pets and companion animals. L. Pamlico County Animal Control Provide personnel and equipment as required within the respective corporate limits to protect domestic animals and sick/injured non-domestic animals. 3.0 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS A. Animal owners will take reasonable steps to shelter and provide for animals under their care and/or control when notified of an upcoming emergency. B. Natural, technological or manmade disasters could affect the well being of animals. C. Pamlico County should plan for both emergency situations and to carry out response and recovery operations utilizing local resources. Outside animal care and rescue assistance would likely be available in most large-scale emergencies affecting the county. D. Animal protection planning should ensure the proper care and recovery of animals impacted during an emergency. These plans may include measures to identify housing and shelter for animals, communicate information to the public and proper animal disposition. E. A large-scale emergency in Pamlico County would warrant immediate response from state and local personnel, agencies and organizations. However, emergency situations may be compounded due to the nature of the emergency and also require activation of additional specialized agencies through mutual aid. F. Through effective animal protection planning and organization, disaster relief efforts will be more expedient. 4.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 4.1 GENERAL A. The primary and support agencies identified in this plan will manage and coordinate local animal protection activities. These agencies will use established animal protection and support organizations, processes and procedures. Responsibility for situation assessment and determination of resource needs in the event of a large-scale emergency lies primarily with the Pamlico County Office of Emergency Services in cooperation with the Pamlico County Cooperative Extension (Equine and Livestock), Pamlico County Animal Control (Companion Animals) and local incident coordinators. B. Requests for animal protection assistance and resources such as food, medicine shelter, material, specialized personnel, and additional veterinary medical professionals, will be transmitted from the Pamlico County EMC to the North Carolina Emergency Management Office. Should the need for Federal or State resources exist, the State Emergency Operations Center will coordinate the requests for assistance. C. Animal protection operations will be managed under the Pamlico County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Public health concerns will be managed in accordance with existing Pamlico County plans and procedures. D. Animals included under the plan: 1. The sheltering and protection of domestic and non-domestic animals (including livestock) are the responsibility of their owners. 2. Domestic and non-domestic animals that are lost, strayed, incapable of being cared for by their owners, or in danger to themselves or the public will be the responsibility of the Pamlico CART, Pamlico County animal control officers or other identified agencies or organizations. These animals will be sheltered, fed, and if possible, returned to their owners. If the animals cannot be returned to their owners, volunteer agencies will Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 3

4 4.2 NOTIFICATION be given the opportunity to assist in adoption, relocation, and sheltering. The disposition of the animals will then fall within the guidelines of the organization willing to take responsibility for the animal. 3. Wild animals should be left to their own survival instincts. Wild animals out of their natural habitat that are in danger either to themselves or to the public will be the responsibility of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission personnel, in cooperation with local animal control officials, and returned to their natural habitat if possible. This plan and implementing procedures will be activated in the event of a large-scale emergency causing a significant need for animal protection and/or disposal. The Pamlico County EMC will determine when these procedures will be implemented and notify the Pamlico County Animal Control Supervisor and the Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Director. They will notify primary agencies and supporting resource agencies. A call down (alert roster) will be maintained by the primary agencies in conjunction with the Pamlico County EMC. 4.3 COMMUNICATIONS Communications between the primary and support agencies will occur primarily through telephone, facsimile, and cellular telephone transmission. 4.4 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO) (County Manager) A. A spokesperson from Pamlico County will be responsible for the coordination of all media activities and press releases associated with the protection of animals. B. PIO responsibilities may include: 1. Notifying the public of appropriate shelters to drop lost/stray animals, animals that they cannot care for, or animals that need immediate medical assistance. 2. Delivering instructions to the public to prepare their pets for an impending emergency and/or instructions for minor at home medical responses for pets injured in an emergency situation. 3. Initiating a system to direct inquiries on lost pets to the appropriate animal shelter. 4. Other information as needed. 4.5 RESPONSE: The owners of pets or livestock, when notified of an emergency will take all reasonable steps to shelter and provide for animals under their control. A. Search and Rescue 1. Domestic Pets: Domestic pets loose or in need of assistance due to the emergency or to the death or evacuation of their owners will be the responsibility of municipal animal control or the companion animal committee of Pamlico CART. 2. Livestock: Livestock loose or in need of assistance due to the emergency or to the death of evacuation of their owners will be the responsibility of municipal animal control or large animal committee of Pamlico CART. 3. Wild Animals: Wild Animals out of their natural habitat that are endangering either themselves or the human population will be the responsibility of N. C. Wildlife Resource Commission personnel in cooperation with municipal animal control officials. 4. Stranded Animals: Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 4

5 B In the event that animals cannot be rescued due to the emergency situation, food and medical assistance may be delivered to the animals by the appropriate agency when possible. 5. Additional Aid: In the event that municipal and Pamlico County animal control resources are unable to meet the need for search and rescue personnel, a representative from Pamlico CART will request search and rescue assistance from the EOC. EOC may request the assistance of outside agencies including, but not limited to, the American Humane Association and/or Humane Society of the United States and/or other available search and rescue groups. Shelters 1. Evacuated Domestic Pets: a. Private Resources: Domestic pets from evacuated citizens will be sheltered at private boarding kennels and veterinarian hospitals as close to the evacuation shelters as possible. Upon the activation of evacuation shelters for citizens, a representative from Pamlico CART will be contacted by the shelter manager and requested to initiate the opening of prearranged private boarding kennels and veterinarian hospitals as boarding facilities. Each of the citizens evacuation shelters will have information on the availability of animal shelters. Pet owners will be responsible for ensuring the transportation of evacuated pets to either the shelter facility or hospital. b. Evacuated Citizens with Special Needs: Citizens with special needs (individuals with mental or physical handicaps who require evacuation assistance) may require assistance in evacuating their pets. If special needs individuals are unwilling or unable to make special arrangements for the sheltering of their pets, then the individuals and their pets will be transported to the evacuation shelter. Upon arrival at the shelter, pets not trained specifically to assist the individual (e.g. seeing eye dogs) will be transported to a private boarding facility or other appropriate facility. In the event that the individual and the pet cannot be separated due to the individual s infirmity, the pet will be sheltered in the same facility in a separate room or area. 2. Stray/Lost Domestic Pets: All stray/lost domestic pets recovered by Pamlico CART or Pamlico County Animal Control will be sheltered at the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center or other designated animal shelters. Any pets that cannot be cared for by their owners and/or domestic pets found will also be sheltered at these locations. If the animals cannot be returned to their owners, volunteer agencies will be given the opportunity to assist in adoption, relocation, and sheltering. The disposition of the animals will then fall within the guidelines of the organization willing to take responsibility for the animal. 3. Evacuated and Stray/Lost Livestock Due to the size of most livestock and the inability to transport large numbers of farm animals, owners are expected to develop shelter and/or evacuation plans for their own animals. Private farms located throughout the county may be used as shelter facilities for livestock. In the event of an emergency situation, the Livestock Committee will contact prearranged farms and request their assistance in the sheltering operation. The owner will be expected to reimburse the private farms for all expenses incurred during the sheltering of livestock. If necessary, SART may be contacted for boarding assistance of livestock at possible locations such as the veterinary hospital at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. 4. Wild Animals If possible, wild animals outside their natural habitat endangering the public will be transported back to their natural habitat. If the responsible agencies are unable to transport the animal back to its natural habitat due to the nature of the emergency or to injuries that the animal may have sustained, the animals will be transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 5

6 C. Medical 1. Hospitals: Pamlico CART will coordinate the resources for a medical facility for domestic animals, which cannot be accommodated by the various shelters due to the animals injuries. The veterinary hospital at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, state vet, and private veterinarian hospitals may serve as alternative medical facilities and medical shelters as space permits. 2. Staff: Volunteers from the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine and from VMAT as well as others will assist in providing the medical care in these medical shelters. Depending on the extent of the emergency situation, volunteers or Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams from the American Veterinary Medical Association may be requested to assist in the medical treatment of domestic and non-domestic animals. D. Bites/Disease Control: The Pamlico County Health Department will make vaccinations available to rescue and shelter personnel and will insure that treatment of bites and injuries is available to affected persons. An outbreak of rabies is a serious threat during an emergency situation. Appropriate steps to control that threat will be implemented by the Pamlico County Health Department. 4.6 RECOVERY A. Release/Destruction: 1. Domestic Pets/Livestock: Pamlico CART will support efforts to identify owners of stray/lost animals. If the animals cannot be returned to their owners, volunteer agencies will be given the opportunity to assist in adoption, relocation, and sheltering. The disposition of the animals will then fall within the guidelines of the organization willing to take responsibility for the animal. 2. Wild Animals: Pamlico CART in cooperation with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission will support efforts to reintroduce wild animals back to their natural habitats. 3. Disposal of Animal Carcasses: Disposal of deceased animals will be the responsibility of Pamlico EMS. 5.0 REVIEW AND UPDATE This procedure will be reviewed yearly and updated as appropriate by the Pamlico County Office of Emergency Services with the assistance of Pamlico County Cooperative Extension office and Pamlico County CART. This procedure will be periodically tested by an appropriate exercise method. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 6

7 PAMLICO COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN ANIMAL SHELTERING AND RECOVERY SECTION Q SMALL and LARGE ANIMALS.1 LARGE ANIMALS PRIMARY AGENCY: Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Agent SUPPORTING AGENCIES: County Animal Response Team ( CART ) State Animal Response Team ( SART ) 1.0 INTRODUCTION There is little doubt that governments throughout the country now recognize a pro-active need for disaster planning throughout its agencies, other agencies, integrated companies, and individual citizens. This disaster planning is understandably developed with the safety of people in mind. It is only recently that disaster planners across the country have started to realize how drastically failure to plan for the animal population will affect the viability of their disaster plans for people. For instance, if the disaster warrants an evacuation, many people may delay evacuating their farms in an effort to save or salvage as much of their income producing livestock as possible to their own detriment. These delays could initiate a chain reaction in which the farmer and/or the livestock are maimed or injured through physical damage from the event or from excited animals. Failure to plan for animals could cause serious public health concerns with injured or dead animals not being disposed of properly or live animals or carcasses getting into streams or other public waters, or cause considerable public safety problems as animals roam unattended. And finally, failure to plan for animals will create a public relations nightmare for those agencies which the public perceives as animal responsible if animal issues are not properly addressed in the wake of the disaster. 1.1 PURPOSE STATEMENT 1.2 SCOPE To protect large animal resources including horses, the public health, the public food supply, the environment, and to ensure the humane care and treatment of animals, and if necessary carcass disposal according to state regulations, in case of a large-scale emergency. Such emergencies include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wind driven water, drought, fire, explosion, building collapse, large transportation accidents, chemical spills, nuclear power plant accidents, disease outbreaks or other situations that cause animal suffering. This plan is intended for use by local government, governmental and other agencies and agricultural entities to take immediate action in providing a means of care and control to minimize animal suffering and disposal as needed in the event of a large-scale emergency. This action will be aimed at large animals including horses. For purposes of this section of the Pamlico C.A.R.T. this plan does not include pets or companion animals. The Pamlico County Office of Emergency Management may place this plan into effect by contacting the above listed coordinator or his designated representative, and by serving as the official contact to request fund assistance through FEMA and other sources. The coordinator of this plan will then follow established plans and procedures outlined in this document, and direct both the emergency and recovery aspects of the incident. The plan coordinator may deviate from these procedures when, in his or her judgment, immediate and direct action is necessary to protect public safety. 2.0 AFFECTED AGENCIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 7

8 2.1 PRIMARY AGENCIES A. Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Director Coordinate support agencies to manage animal protection in large-scale emergencies as outlined in paragraph 1.1 above. Provide, direct and coordinate personnel, equipment and shelter as required to aid in the protection of livestock during an emergency situation. B Pamlico County Emergency Management Activate the Emergency Operations Center, if necessary. Responsible for the overall direction of the emergency incident. Request funding and other assistance as deemed necessary by the Coordinator. C. Pamlico County Health Department/Animal Control Provide guidance and support to ensure the safety of all citizens. Assist support agencies to manage animal protection in large-scale emergencies. D. Bay River County Soil and Water Conservation District Provide personnel and support in locating displaced animals. Provide support for mortality disposal and identify potential disposal sites as a pre-need planning effort. E. NC Department of Agriculture Responsible for the enforcement of state regulations concerning livestock health and the movements of animals affected by those regulations. NCDA will also assist in providing information and direction whenever possible with regard to the general health of livestock in these areas. 2.2 SUPPORT AGENCIES A. State Animal Response Team (SART) Provide volunteers, assistance, information, training, supplies, and expertise in caring for animals. B. Pamlico County Animal Response Team (CART) Provide volunteers to assist in proper care of affected animals. 2.3 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES A. Pamlico County Horseman s Association (PCHA) Provide personnel and services to relocate and care for horses. B. Pamlico County Livestock Association Provide personnel, resources, and equipment. C. Integrated Poultry and Livestock Companies Provide personnel and equipment to protect, move, and relocate animals. D. Veterinary Service Provide veterinary care to animals and health status verification of displaced animals E. Private Farms Provide shelter and supplies to care for displaced animals. F. Private Stables, paddock and pasture owners Provide personnel, equipment and shelter as required to shelter and care for displaced horses and livestock based on need and health status as determined by preventative measures documented by displaced animal owners. Horses must have the following items before movement to a private farm: (1) a current negative Coggins Certificate (original) (2) a list of any vices or strange habits (3) a list of any health problems and special medications being taken (4) OWNERS MUST SIGN A LIABILITY RELEASE FORM Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 8

9 (5) identifying mark, microchip, tattoo or brand or braid into mane an identification tag, or clip or paint an identifying mark into coat. (6) enough feed for one week G. North Carolina Wildlife Commission Provide personnel and equipment as required to protect wildlife. H. North Carolina Forest Service Provide personnel and equipment as needed to protect and care for animals. I. North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association Provide personnel to aid in the medical treatment of animals. Activate regional Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) J.. Farm Service Agency Provide personnel and services to relocate and care for animals. 2.4 Appendices A. Primary Contacts. See Appendix A. B. Livestock Contacts. See Appendix B. C. Veterinarians. See Appendix C. D. Facilities. See Appendix D. E. Mortality Disposal Committee Members and Contacts. See Appendix E. D. Communications/Public Relations. Committee Members and Contacts. See Appendix F. E. Resources. See Appendix G. F. Protective Clothing and Equipment. See Appendix H. 3.0 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS A. The owners of large animals, when notified of an upcoming emergency, will take reasonable steps to shelter and provide for animals under their care and/or control. B. Natural, technological or manmade disasters could affect the well being of large animals. C. The county should plan for both emergency situations and to carry out response and recovery operations utilizing local resources. Outside animal care and rescue assistance would likely be available in most large-scale emergencies affecting the county. D. Animal protection planning should ensure the proper care and recovery of animals impacted during an emergency. These plans may include measures to identify housing and shelter for animals, communicate information to the public and proper animal disposal. E. A large-scale emergency in Pamlico County may warrant immediate response from state and local personnel, agencies and organizations. However, emergency situations may become compounded due to the nature of the emergency and also require activation of additional specialized agencies through mutual aid. F. Through effective animal protection planning and organization, disaster relief efforts will be more expedient. 4.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 4.1 GENERAL A. The primary and support agencies identified in the Standard Operating Guideline will manage and coordinate local animal protection activities. These agencies will use established animal protection and support organizations, processes and procedure. Responsibility for situation assessment and determination of resource needs in the event of a largescale emergency lies primarily with the Pamlico County Emergency Management in cooperation with the Bay River Soil and Water Conservation District, the Pamlico Livestock Association, the Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Director, individual producers, affiliated integrated production companies and local incident coordinators. B. Requests for animal protection assistance and resources such as food, medicine, shelter material, specialized personnel and additional veterinary medical professionals, will be transmitted through the Pamlico County Emergency Management Office to the North Carolina Emergency Management Office. Should the need for Federal or State resources exist, the State Emergency Operations Center will coordinate the requests for assistance. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 9

10 C. Animal protection operations will be managed under the Pamlico County Incident Command Master Plan (ICS). Public health concerns will be managed in accordance with appropriate Pamlico County plans and procedures. D. Animals included under the plan: 1. The sheltering, protection or disposal of large livestock is the responsibility of their owners. 2. Large animals that are lost, strayed, incapable of being cared for by their owners, in danger to themselves or the public or dead will be the responsibility of Pamlico County Animal Response Team. These animals will be sheltered, fed, and, if possible, returned to their owners. If the animals cannot be returned to their owners, they will be disposed of in accordance with established animal control procedures. 3. Wild animals should be left to their own survival instincts and are not included in this plan. Wild animals out of their natural habitats that are in danger either to themselves or the public will be the responsibility of the N. C. Wildlife Resource Commission personnel, in cooperation with local animal control officials and that section of the Pamlico C.A.R.T. devoted to pet and companion animal issues. 4.2 Notification: This plan and implementing procedures will be activated in the event of a large-scale emergency causing a significant need for animal protection and/or disposal. Pamlico County Emergency Management will determine when these procedures will be implemented and notify the large animal coordinator who will in turn notify appropriate primary, support, and mutual aid agencies. A call down (alert roster) list will be developed and maintained by the large animal coordinator in conjunction with the Pamlico Emergency Management Officer. NOTE: The Large Animal Committee recognizes the absolute necessity for the following three subparagraph actions (4.3, 4.4 and 4.5) to be coordinated by one person or that person s designated representative to avoid misinformation. 4.3 Communications: Communications between the primary and support agencies will occur primarily through telephone, facsimile and cellular telephone transmission. 4.4 Public Relations: The Pamlico County Extension Director and County Manager will be responsible for the coordination of all media activities and press releases associated with the protection and disposal of animals. Public Relation responsibilities may include: A. Promote public awareness and inform animal owners how to prepare and react to all types of disasters through literature, community relations activities, training, and pre-event planning. B. Recruit volunteers to assist where needed in the event of a disaster. 4.5 Public Information: The Pamlico County Extension Director and County Manager will be responsible for the coordination of all media activities and press releases associated with the protection of animals. For large animals, the primary focus will be to insure that producers are aware of impending events that could harm or destroy their livestock. 4.6 Response: The owners of large animals, when notified of an emergency, will take all reasonable steps to shelter and provide for animals under their control. A. Equine Note: Any equine moved to facilities other than the owners must meet all animal health/disease prevention measures. See 2.3.F above. 1. Search and Rescue Equine loose or in need of assistance due to the emergency or to the death or evacuation of their owners will be the responsibility of the Equine committee (in so much as all reasonable steps will be taken to Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 10

11 provide assistance). Identify key people to assist rescue efforts in the field who have animal handling training and understand the basic emergency management concepts (ICS training). Identify transportation equipment and enclosures. Identify sources for animal restraint equipment lead lines, halters. 2. Evacuated Equine a. Private Resources: Equine from evacuated citizens will be sheltered at private facilities, at the owner s expense. The equine subcommittee will maintain and update a list of participating shelters and veterinary clinics. A representative of the Equine subcommittee will provide assistance in the transportation of the evacuated livestock either the shelter facility or veterinary hospital and ensuring that a tracking system is in place to unite sheltered Equine with their rightful owners. Transportation to be provided by individuals who do local transport of equine. The equine owner is expected to reimburse transport individuals. Other private horse owners will also be available to assist with transport. b. Equine Evacuation Shelter: If the need arises, the CART may open an equine shelter. Equine will be evacuated and sheltered by the owner or the owner may request assistance from the livestock committee. A shelter or non-occupied equine facility is difficult to find and maintain for an emergency only basis. Evacuated equine would need to have shelter at private boarding barns or with private individuals. This list of people would be kept but could/would change according to available space. Feed, hay, bedding, etc. can be obtained through resources listed in Appendix. Additional supplies, including corrals and panels may be requested from SART. Equine committee volunteers, SART personnel and private individuals will be trained in equine management and will help maintain facilities. 3. Stray/Lost Equine Due to the size of most equine and the inability to transport large numbers of equine, owners are expected to develop shelter and/or evacuation plans for their own animals. Private farms located throughout the county may be used as shelter facilities for equine. In the event of an emergency situation, the Equine committee will contact prearranged farms and request their assistance in the sheltering operation. The owner will be expected to reimburse the private farms for all expenses incurred during sheltering of equine. If necessary SART may be contacted for boarding assistance of equine at possible locations such as: veterinary hospital at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, the Hunt Horse Complex and the Pinehurst Harness Track. 4. Recovery Equine The Pamlico C.A.R.T., NC S.A.R.T. and private organizations will support efforts to identify owners of stray/lost animals. If owners cannot be found, representatives will attempt to adopt or sell the animals according to their established procedures. Animals for which no owners can be found and which cannot be placed in adoptive care or sold will be disposed of in accordance with established animal control procedures. B. Livestock Note: The large animal section of the Pamlico C.A.R.T. should develop and prioritize a plan for rapid restoration of power to rendering facilities, feed mills and processing plants and the reopening of roads to livestock facilities to avoid unnecessary deaths. 1. Search and Rescue Livestock loose or in need of assistance due to the emergency or to the death or evacuation of their owners will be the responsibility of the Livestock committee (in so much as all reasonable steps will be taken to provide assistance). Identify key people to assist rescue efforts in the field who have animal handling training Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 11

12 and understand the basic emergency management concepts (ICS training). Identify transportation equipment and enclosures. Identify sources for animal restraint equipment halters, leather gloves, panels, chutes. 2. Evacuated Livestock a. Private Resources: Livestock from evacuated citizens will be sheltered at private facilities, at the owner s expense. A representative of the Livestock committee or authorized volunteer will provide assistance in the transportation of the evacuated livestock to either the shelter facility or veterinary hospital and ensuring that a tracking system is in place to unite sheltered livestock with their rightful owners. b. Livestock Evacuation Shelter: If the need arises, the CART may open a livestock shelter. Livestock will be evacuated and sheltered by the owner or the owner may request assistance from the livestock committee. A shelter or non-occupied livestock facility is difficult to find and maintain for an emergency only basis. Evacuated livestock will need to have shelter at private boarding barns or with private individuals. This list of people would be kept but could/would change according to available space. Feed, hay, bedding, etc. can be obtained through resources listed in Appendix. Additional supplies, including corrals and panels may be requested from SART. Livestock committee volunteers, SART personnel and private individuals will be trained in livestock management and will help maintain facilities. 3. Stray/Lost Livestock Due to the size of most livestock and the inability to transport large numbers of farm animals, owners are expected to develop shelter and/or evacuation plans for their own animals. Private farms located throughout the county may be used as shelter facilities for livestock. In the event of an emergency situation, the Livestock committee will contact prearranged farms and request their assistance in the sheltering operation. The owner will be expected to reimburse the private farms for all expenses incurred during sheltering of livestock. *Maintain a list of volunteering farms, their capacity and health requirements. If necessary SART may be contacted for boarding assistance of livestock at possible locations such as: veterinary hospital at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. * As of this draft writing, this list is not yet established. 4. Recovery Livestock: The Pamlico County C.A.R.T. large livestock section will support efforts to identify owners of stray/lost animals. If owners cannot be found, representatives will attempt to adopt or sell the animals according to their established procedures. Animals for which no owners can be found and which cannot be placed in adoptive care or sold will be disposed of in accordance with established animal control procedures. C. Wildlife Wild animals should be left to their own survival instincts. Wild animals out of their natural habitat that are in danger either to themselves or to the public will be the responsibility of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission personnel, in cooperation with local animal control officials, and returned to their natural habitat if possible. D. Additional Aid In the event that Pamlico County Animal Response Team s resources are unable to meet the need for search and rescue personnel, the Incident Commander for the Pamlico County Animal Response Team will request search and rescue assistance from Pamlico County Emergency Management who may request assistance from State Animal Response Team. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 12

13 E. Incapacitation of Shelters: In the event that established shelters are destroyed or incapable of functioning due to the nature of the emergency situation, assistance from: veterinary hospitals, stables, adjacent county or other facilities may be requested, to open as boarding and/or medical facilities. In rare cases, during large-scale emergencies, animals may be moved outside Pamlico County for care and protection. F. Shelter Staff & Supplies: 1. Staff: 2. Supplies: G. Medical Assistance: Private farms and veterinarian hospitals will be responsible for the staffing of their own boarding facilities and will be compensated by the citizens who use the animal shelter according to the established policies of the animal shelter. Boarder and owner will agree upon price depending on the current situation. Remaining animal shelters and hospitals will be staffed with available personnel from Pamlico County Volunteers, assistance from SART and associated agencies. Each individual animal shelter will be responsible for developing the work schedules for employees and volunteers. Large livestock producers will be expected to provide food or reimburse the owners of volunteer holding facilities for any feed items consumed during their animal s stay at the facility. 1. Hospitals: The large animal committee will coordinate the resources for a medical facility for any large livestock, which cannot be accommodated by the various shelters due to the animals injuries. The Veterinarians who work together for emergency clinics from Craven, Carteret and Pamlico Counties will identify private veterinarian hospitals and other locations that may serve as alternative medical facilities and medical shelters as space permits. 2. Staff: Volunteers from the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine and others will assist in providing the medical care in these medical shelters. Depending on the extent of the emergency situation, volunteers or Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) from the American Veterinary Medical Association may be requested to assist in the medical treatment of domestic and non-domestic animals. H. Bites/Disease Control: The Pamlico County Health Department will make vaccinations available to rescue and shelter personnel and will insure that treatment of bites and injuries is available to affected persons. A list of protective clothing and equipment that may be needed in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease outbreak is shown in the APPENDIX. Outbreaks of rabies and other infectious diseases are a serious threat during an emergency situation. Appropriate steps to minimize that threat will be implemented by the Pamlico County Department of Environmental Health. (an attachment outlining protective clothing, eye wear, gloves, etc may be added as advised) 4.7 Recovery: A. Disposal of Animal Carcasses: Disposal of deceased animals will be coordinated by the Mortality Disposal Committee. They will arrange for disposal of: Euthanized animals Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 13

14 Animals killed in the emergency situation 1. Farm Plan Each producer should have a disaster plan that consists of the following: a. Identify evacuation route and equipment to move animals b. Identify on site designated land for burial with pre-approval by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in accordance with NCDA & CS s Veterinary Division directives. 1. Site needs to be adequate size and depth to accommodate population. 2. Site should be accessible by trucks (i.e. culverts over ditch) 3. Spray fields can be used, but spraying can t resume until foliage has covered burial site. c. Determine a contact person to report damages and assistance 1. County Cooperative Extension Director (C.A.R.T coordinator) 2. Company representatives (for contract produced animals) 3. Emergency Management Coordinator. 2. County Plan a. Identify all premises containing large populations of animals. b. Identify county contact person for administering dead animal emergencies: 1. Pamlico Extension Director 2. County health director 3. Other emergency management person c. Identify large clean out crews (people to remove dead animals and wet/destroyed bedding material). They typically have supplies such as bobcats, loaders and spreader and dump trucks. d. Identify equipment for handling/hauling dead animals (Examples: Bobcats, Front-end loaders, backhoes, trackhoes, grain or sand truck-trailers that dump, or large incinerators for burning the dead.) e. Make arrangements with other counties for resources and land space 3. Priority on how to handle dead: a. 1 st Rendering Must be done rapidly (24-48 hrs) following disaster. Some species cannot be rendered. Deaths due to animal diseases may restrict movement. b. 2 nd Burial See Attachment B: Animal Burial Guidelines During A Declared Emergency, May 2000 c. 3 rd Composting Primarily for poultry Plan for rapid restoration of power to rendering facilities, feed mills and processing plants. High maintenance. Possible used for cover until burial arrangement could be made. d. 4 th Incineration Usually costly and inefficient. Considered last option due to past track record of improper fuel costly, slowness, air quality problem, inefficient, poorly trained personnel and ash disposal. 5.0 Review and Update This procedure will be reviewed and updated yearly by the Pamlico County C.A.R.T. large animal section, the Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Office, and Pamlico County Office of Emergency Management and other affected agencies. This procedure will be periodically tested by an appropriate exercise method. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 14

15 Effective Date: / / 6.0 Approval 6.1 Primary Agencies: Pamlico County Emergency Management Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Bay River County Soil and Water Conservation District Pamlico County Health Department Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 15

16 ATTACHMENT A Pamlico County Disaster Planning Tips for Livestock Livestock Evacuate livestock whenever possible. The evacuation sites should have or be able to readily obtain food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and facilities. If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be determined based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the shelter. All animals should have some form of identification that will help facilitate their return. Further Assistance If you see any injured or stranded animal in need of assistance, or if you have any other questions or concerns about animal protection during an emergency situation, contact Pamlico County Emergency Management at , the Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Director at , or the Pamlico Co. Health Department at Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 16

17 ATTACHMENT B Animal Burial Guidelines During A Declared Emergency State Animal Response Team May 2000 Introduction Hurricane Floyd on September 15, 1999 combined with the weather conditions before and immediately after this hurricane resulted in the most severe flooding and devastation in North Carolina history. The flooding caused an estimated $813 million in agricultural losses affecting 32,000 farmers. In addition to crop loss, there was significant loss of livestock including 2,860,827 poultry, 28,000 swine, and 619 cattle. Disposal of dead animals was a significant problem. Proper burial and disposal will prevent potential public health problems resulting from large numbers of dead and decaying animals include the spread of harmful pathogens, ground and surface water contamination, and pest control. In certain situations, burial of dead animals may be the best alternative for immediate disposal. These guidelines are designed to insure burial is done in a safe and effective manner. Legal Authority North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) Disposition of dead domesticated animals states that is the responsibility of the owner or person in charge of his domesticated animals to bury dead animals appropriately within 24 hours after knowledge of the death. It is the responsibility of the municipal or county government to designate appropriate persons to dispose of any domestic dead animals whose owner cannot be identified. (See attached copy of NCGS and companion opinion from the Attorney General s Office dated June 8, 1984). The NC Department of Agriculture - Veterinary Division is the lead state agency to oversee animal disposal as regulated under existing Administrative Rules, specifically, Subchapter 52C - Control of Livestock Diseases: Miscellaneous Provisions, Section Diseased and Dead Animals (copies maintained in the Pamlico Animal Response Team file kept by the C.A.R.T. Coordinator and Pamlico Emergency Management Director). The State Health Director and by extension the Local Health Director in each county is charged with preventing health risks and disease and promoting a safe and healthful environment according to NCGS 130A, Articles To the extent that dead animals become a threat to human health, the State and Local Health Director has broad authority to investigate and act on matters to protect health. The Environmental Management Commission protects the groundwater quality in the State of North Carolina through rules established in 15A NCAC Subchapter 2L Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable to the Groundwaters of North Carolina. These rules establish groundwater quality standards that may not be exceeded without a permit issued under the authority of the Commission. The Groundwater Section of the Division of Water Quality is responsible for the administration and enforcement of these rules. Any surface or subsurface activity that has the potential to cause groundwater standards to be exceeded is subject to the regulatory authority of the Commission. Scope While it is recognized that there are multiple types and degrees of emergencies that could create the need for dead animal burial, these guidelines focus on the most common cause and the most recent experience, flooding and electrical outages. For example, guidelines for managing dead animals during a foreign animal disease emergency may differ and would be managed through the State Veterinarian. These guidelines are intended to address dead animal disposal during a declared emergency and therefore do not take the place of the dead animal disposal that occurs under the normal permitted operation of a farm. The Governor can declare a state of emergency in North Carolina with or without a federal declaration of the same. Emergency Planning Each farm operation shall make specific plans for animal disposal in the event of an emergency. When burial is determined to be the disposal method of choice, an attempt should be made first to bury the dead animals according to guidelines on the owner s farm. If proper burial is not possible on the farm then plans should be made for alternative sites. Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 17

18 Burial Standards 1. The bottom of the hole where dead animals are to be buried should be 3 feet above the seasonal high water table and must be at least 12 inches above the seasonal high water table in an area of well-drained soil. (Farm owners may contact the local NRCS agency). 2. Standing water in the hole does not preclude animal burial as long as the bottom of the hole is at least 12 inches above the seasonal high water table, not in an area of standing water, and the other conditions for proper burial are met. 3. There must be at least 3 feet of soil covering any buried animal. This can be interpreted to mean soil mounded over the animals above the adjacent ground level. 4. The burial site must be at least 300 feet from any existing stream or public body of water. 5. The burial site must be at least 100 feet from any existing well. 6. The burial site must be at least 300 feet from any existing public water supply well. 7. The burial site cannot include any portion of a waste lagoon or lagoon wall. 8. In the case where the burial site is in a waste disposal spray field, the burial site is not available for subsequent waste spraying until a new viable crop is established on the site. 9. The burial site shall be located so as to minimize the effect of storm water runoff. 10. Burial is not permitted in the tiled area of an under drained field. 11. A record of the location of the approved site (GPS latitude and longitude coordinates if available), the burial history of each burial site to include the date, species, head count and age must be kept by the owner and reported to the Local Health Director who will in turn will report this information to the appropriate State agency - DENR Division of Water Quality, Groundwater Section. 12. Farm owners and operators are encouraged to consider measures that could be taken prior to an eminent emergency that could reduce the impact on the farm and the environment. Collective Burial Site A collective burial site may be designated to serve one or more counties in the event of a large-scale emergency whereby individual farm sites are not available. The responsibility for disposal of dead animals remains with the owner, lessee, or person in charge of any land upon which any domesticated animals die. The county or municipality should identify an appropriate burial site(s) with the capacity to bury up to 5% of the steady state live weight of livestock in that jurisdiction. The use of an existing county or municipal landfill as a dead animal burial site is not acceptable, as local sites will not take animals. Burial Site Approval Best farm practices suggest that a burial site with the capacity to handle the type and number of animals most likely to be needed during an emergency for each farm operation be identified and pre-approved prior to the emergency. It is recommended that the emergency burial contingency plan be incorporated into the farm s existing Farm Support Agency (FSA) plan and duly reported to the appropriate state and local agency. Contact Information N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality/Groundwater Section Ted Bush - Section Chief 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC (919) N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health/Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Section Dr. Steve Cline - Section Chief 1902 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC (919) SART (State Animal Response Team) Section Q-Animal Sheltering and Recovery 18