ASPCA Assists Lake County Animal Care & Control in Rescuing and Sheltering Nearly 50 Animals Displaced by Devastating Wildfires in Northern California

Lakeport, Calif.—At the request of the Lake County Animal Care & Control and its animal disaster response team Lake Evacuation & Animal Protection (LEAP), the ASPCA^®(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is on the ground assisting local agencies with field rescues and emergency sheltering for nearly 50 animals displaced by the wildfires in Lake and Mendocino counties, including cats, dogs, birds and livestock. The ASPCA deployed a group of responders to assist and will be sheltering displaced animals in its 30-foot disaster response trailer customized to house animals in the event of an emergency.

The ASPCA’s wildfire response efforts have been made possible thanks to the Lewyt Rescue Fund, which was generously established by the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust to support the ASPCA’s anti-cruelty and disaster response efforts. The Lewyt Rescue Fund was created in memory of the Trust’s founders, the late Alex and Elisabeth "Babette" Lewyt, who were instrumental in saving the lives of countless animals, both through philanthropy and hands-on work.  

“Rescuing animals in desperate need of assistance during emergency situations like the wildfires burning through California is exactly why the Lewyt Rescue Fund was established,” said Wendy McColgan and Thomas Amlicke, trustees of the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust. “This donation is continuing to put into action the Lewyts’ life mission to protect animals from harm, and we are proud to support the ASPCA’s lifesaving work.”

“The wildfires in Northern California are putting pets and their owners in tremendous risk, and we’re proud to support Lake County Animal Care & Control to help rescue and care for those animals,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “We’re also grateful for generous support from the Lewyt Rescue Fund that enables this lifesaving work.”

LEAP and ASPCA responders are checking individual residences for pets and livestock left behind, as well as conducting wellness checks requested by pet owners to provide food and water for their animals. Animals rescued by LEAP and the ASPCA are being examined and treated by veterinarians at a former SPCA of Lake County facility located at 8025 Hwy 29 in Kelseyville, CA. Pet owners looking to report lost pets or rescue needs should contact the Lake County Animal Care & Control at (707) 263-0278.

“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from the ASPCA during disasters,” said Bill Davidson, Director of Lake County Animal Care & Control. “The level of experience the ASPCA brings to the table is immeasurable, and our community is grateful for the assistance they’ve provided so far in helping animals impacted by the wildfires in Lake County.”

In 2017, the ASPCA assisted more than 37,000 animals displaced by disaster situations, including wildfires in California’s Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team deploys nationwide to assist in relocation, search-and-rescue, sheltering and placement of animals during disaster situations including wildfires, tornadoesand floods. In addition, they work closely with local agencies across the country to help enhance their animal response capabilities through grants and training opportunities. 

About Lake Evacuation & Animal Protection

LEAP is Lake County Animal Care & Control’s animal disaster response group. It is made up of the Animal Care & Control staff, as well as a group of highly trained volunteers.  All volunteers have completed the necessary applications, submitted copies of their driving records, completed the ICS training series 100, 200, and 700, as well as attend our annual training.  Most have even been through a two or three-day animal disaster preparedness course offered by NVADG or a similar humane organization.