American Humane Association shows local school how to save animals in disaster

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In times of natural disaster, an entire segment of the population is often forgotten. Organizations like the American Humane Association have helped to rescue over 70,000 animals during these times. Since 1877, the American Humane Association has been fulfilling its mission by providing services to promote a more humane society and protecting both children and animals. 

The American Humane Association brought the 82-foot long rescue rig to Repetto School in Monterey Park. The red star emergency vehicle features a mobile vet hospital, flood boats, and can house up to 16 volunteers in times of natural disaster. 

Repetto school is one of the five schools across the United States that has been chosen to participate in the Foster Farm's tour. Recently, Foster Farm became the largest chicken producer to be American Humane Association Certified. Foster Farm co-sponsored the event. The big rig has been in every natural disaster. It has just returned from Hurricane Sandy where volunteers were able to rescue 86 animals in one day. 

"We are becoming a more humane society in a lot of different ways," said Ira Brill, Director of Communications for Foster Farm. "If we can help our young people to understand that then are going to grow up to be better students and better citizens."

The American Humane Association has created programs and services to inform children about animal welfare. This is one of the many programs; Repetto school students at the school received a private tour of the big rig and a lesson about how to properly care for chickens. Students were surprised at all of the services the American Humane Association and Foster Farm provides. 

"I thought it was really neat how they have all the search and rescue gear," said Haley Inzunza, a 6th grader at Repetto middle school. "I never knew how much they tok care of the chickens and all the animals."

The President and CEO of the American Humane Association, Robin Ganzert, was delighted to hear such a positive response from children. Programs like these aim to create the next generation of animal rescuers. 

"Everything that we bring from relief services to kids programs are all rooted in science and solutions," said Ganzert. "American Humane Association is this country's first humane association and we have been in every single major natural disaster."

The only criticism of the day was that there were no live animals. Many children asked where the chickens were. Although disappointed they did not get to see any animals, the children were sporting their Junior Animal Rescue badges as they walked to class.