Special to IFN
In collaboration with many partners from the area and across the country, Rescue Ranch has served as a vital force in the coordination of rescue and care for animals in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
“It is truly amazing how everyone has come together to support our community,” said Krissie Newman, Rescue Ranch founder. “The devastation from Hurricane Helene is heartbreaking and it will take a very long time for these communities to rebuild. Rescue Ranch is committed to continuing our support and increasing our capacity to be a resource to those in need. Having amazing partners like Helen Woodward Animal Center is such a blessing.”
Rescue Ranch’s efforts began before a full assessment had been made of the impact of Helene, opening its Statesville facility as a base for the Animal Search and Rescue Training and Response (ASAR) and Code 3 Associates teams on September 28. Technical rescue teams from Michigan, Colorado, and Kansas staged at the facility during the first few days following the hurricane, and along with Newman, made trips into the impacted areas to rescue stranded animals, from horses to dogs and cats.
At the same time, Rescue Ranch, a Statesville-based nonprofit, has collaborated with a network of animal rescue centers, humane shelters and local businesses to start a donation drive to help support the rescue efforts. Rescue Ranch will continue to serve as the donation hub where donated items are received, packed and routed to designated locations throughout the region.
Rescue Ranch, in coordination with ASAR and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), has routed donations of pet food, livestock grain, water, fencing supplies and hay throughout the affected area. Deliveries, large and small, have been made to Madison, Yancey, Avery, McDowell, Buncombe and Ashe counties in North Carolina and Grayson County in Virginia.
At least 150,000 pounds of donated animal feed and water, and over 250 bales of hay have been delivered.
The ASAR team, along with several supporting groups, worked to rescue horses that were trapped and in need of food and water, relocating 15 of the 22 horses to a farm in Concord. The remaining seven will be fed and watered in place.
Rescue Ranch continues to work closely with Red Dog Farm and Piedmont Animal Rescue, two nonprofits that have retrieved over 200 shelter animals, strays or lost pets from the impacted areas.
In addition, Rescue Ranch continues to gather the needed supplies for the partnering organizations for the animals in need.
“While these last several weeks have been exhausting, knowing that we are working together collectively to support our neighbors to the west, in their desperate time of need, gives us hope,” said Newman. “We are committed to the long-term efforts that will be needed to support our community shelters and rescues. Disaster often brings people together, and as heartbreaking as the impacts of Helene have been, we hope our efforts will help make a difference and provide a sense of hope.”
Groups that have worked closely with Rescue Ranch in their post-Helene efforts include Red Dog Farm, Animal Rescue Network, Code 3 Associates, 4 Hooves Large Animal Services, Piedmont Animal Rescue, GL Horsemanship, SM Performance Horses, ASAR training and response, Asheville and Burke Human Societies, Eastern Equine & Associates, BellaVita Animal Rescue, and Caring Hearts for Canine.
Local businesses have also provided donations, including All Pets Considered, S&S Crane, Gildan, Parker Hannifin, Doosan Bobcat, Chewy, Country Boy Landscaping, Tractor Supply, and MRO.
LEARN MORE
For more information or to make a donation to Rescue Ranch’s Hurricane Helene relief support, visit rescueranch.com.
About Rescue Ranch
Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded by Krissie Newman. The 87-acre facility offers school, Scout and camp programs, birthday parties and private tours, which promote humane education through hands-on learning. Rescue Ranch is located in Statesville.