ASPCA Provides Disaster Response Trailer to Aid Rescue Missions by the Saranac Technical Rescue Team

NEW YORK, August 21, 2008 - The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that it has signed an agreement with the Saranac Technical Rescue Team (STRT) in Saranac, New York, to expand the ASPCA’s Disaster Response capabilities.

Specifically, the ASPCA has provided STRT with one of its Disaster Response trailers, which STRT will house and operate during rescue missions.

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with the Saranac Technical Rescue Team, as this alliance will allow us to respond to incidents in previously unchartered areas,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “This unique partnership that combines STRT’s expertise with the ASPCA’s Animal Response team will better assist animals and improve response time.”

The STRT is led by Donald Uhler, Chief of the Saranac Volunteer Fire Department, and consists of three nationally certified rescue instructors and 15 rescue technicians. The rescue team is certified and trained in Resource Type 1 Swiftwater rescue, rope rescue, wilderness rescue, technical animal rescue and emergency services.

“It gives us great pride to work with a national organization like the ASPCA,” said Uhler. “Our relationship with the organization has grown over the past few years, and this partnership will allow us to provide exceptional aid to animals in dire need.”

The ASPCA Disaster Response team is trained and prepared for emergency disasters and has the ability to provide assistance for emergencies that affect companion animals. The team, comprised of 12 ASPCA staff members, assists animal victims of natural and man-made disasters in New York and throughout the country.

By collaborating with STRT, the ASPCA is able to expand its disaster response outreach and provide additional support to aid STRT’s rescue missions.

“We’re very excited about this partnership,” said Allison Cardona, Director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA. “With a larger team, specialized members, and necessary equipment, we’re confident that we will be able to return more rescued animals to their families.”