ASPCA, Santa Barbara County Animal Services Rescue More than 1,000 Displaced Animals Following Santa Barbara County Mudslides

Santa Barbara, Calif.—As residents continue to evacuate from their homes following the fatal mudslides that hurled through Montecito last week, the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) and Santa Barbara County Animal Services are conducting ongoing search-and-rescue efforts to save displaced animals. Since Saturday, the ASPCA and Santa Barbara County Animal Services have partnered to rescue more than 1,000 animals and are working around-the-clock to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Among the animals rescued was Koshka, a sweet, long-haired grey cat whose owners were rescued by helicopterafter their home was destroyed by the mudslides. Upon receiving a request for assistance, Santa Barbara County Animal Services deployed its disaster response team to search for Koshka, but were unable to access the house safely for several days. On Tuesday, ASPCA and Santa Barbara County Animal Services responders found Koshka inside her home and she was reunited with her owners. A video of Koshka’s reunion with her family can be viewed here.

“Even when every effort is made to prepare for emergency situations, there are times such as this when families are forced to evacuate from their homes at a moment’s notice and gathering pets in time to escape to safety is simply not an option,” said Dick Green, senior director of ASPCA Disaster Response. “The ASPCA is pleased to partner with Santa Barbara County Animal Services and support them with their efforts to rescue these animals from danger and do everything we can to reunite them with their families.”

“Santa Barbara County Animal Services staff have been working tirelessly during the Thomas Fire and the recent mudslide in Montecito to rescue, house, and care for displaced animals,” said Jan Glick, Santa Barbara County Animal Services Director. “We are grateful to the many partners assisting us and helping to reunite pets and their owners who have faced these devastating circumstances. We are committed to helping our community heal and we will continue to be here for all who need our services.”

Residents who need assistance recovering pets from their homes or emergency sheltering for their pets are encouraged to contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services at their hotline (805) 681-4332.