ASPCA Mobilizes Disaster Response Team to Assist Maui Humane Society in Response to Recent Wildfires

August 22, 2023

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is on the ground in Lahaina, Hawaii at the urgent request of the Maui Humane Society, supporting critical animal search and rescue efforts in response to the catastrophic wildfires that impacted thousands of residents and their pets. The ASPCA mobilized a team of specially trained disaster response personnel to assist local animal welfare groups with responding to over a thousand missing pet reports and assessing impacted areas. ASPCA responders are working alongside Maui Humane Society, supporting displaced animals to be reunited with their families, distributing lifesaving supplies, food and potable water, setting up animal traps for missing pets, and, as necessary, helping to recover and identify animals whose lives were lost.

“The ASPCA’s priority is to bring displaced and injured animals to safety and to provide critical assistance in support of Maui Humane Society as they work tirelessly to meet the needs of impacted residents and their pets in the aftermath of these devastating events,” said Lauren Cowell, Director of Field Operations, ASPCA. “Animals are members of our families and a great source of comfort, especially during times of tragedy. Our deepest hope is that we will be able to reunite many people with their pets to help them heal during this difficult time.”

The ASPCA’s response has been made possible in part thanks to the generous support of the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust.