ASPCA, Sonoma County Animal Services Rescue More Than 130 Koi Fish Displaced by California Wildfires

Families unable to visit their homes requested help transporting their Koi fish to Sonoma County Animal Services and UC Davis
October 25, 2017

Sonoma County, Calif.—The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and Sonoma County Animal Services partnered to remove more than 130 Koi fish displaced by the life-threatening wildfires that recently swept through Northern California. Without power, residents in impacted areas were unable to return to their homes and their Koi fish were at risk due to lack of food and functioning aeration systems. The Koi fish were removed from eight residential properties in Sonoma County and relocated to Sonoma County Animal Services and UC Davis to be cared for until they can be reunited with their owners.

“The catastrophic wildfires that devastated Northern California impacted the lives of animals big and small,” said Dick Green, senior director of ASPCA Disaster Response. “The ASPCA is pleased to assist Sonoma County Animal Services and other shelters with their life-saving work to help rescue and care for displaced animals while continuing to care for animals affected by the recent series of hurricanes.”

“This particular rescue effort highlights both the need and value of collaboration,” said Monica Argenti, community engagement manager of Sonoma County Animal Services. “We are so thankful to be working alongside so many dedicated professionals committed to serving - and saving - our community.”

The ASPCA and Sonoma County Animal Services collaborated with the following groups to make this rescue possible: International Bird Rescue and Research Center; Rojas Fisheries; Santa Clara Valley Koi and Water Garden Club and the University of California, Davis.

The ASPCA has been on the ground in California assisting Sonoma County Animal Services with the care of hundreds of animals impacted by the devastating wildfires including assisting with assessments, coordinating resources and logistics and conducting welfare checks for displaced animals. Sonoma County Animal Services will continue to provide resources for displaced animals after the ASPCA concludes its response efforts on the ground.

For more information on resources available for pet owners or how to help, visit www.theanimalshelter.org.

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About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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