IFAW Rushes Water Rescue Teams to New York State Following Hurricane Irene

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rescuers from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) mobilized to Cobleskill, New York today to conduct small and large animal water rescue operations in flooded areas in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

Responding to a request from the State of New York, IFAW is deploying two trained water rescue teams and a 36-foot rescue trailer carrying boats, dog crates, capture equipment and other supplies.

"Irene is not done with us yet. At least 30 stranded horses need our help right now and we know a large number of companion animals will also need rescue, food and shelter," said Dr. Dick Green, IFAW's Disaster Manager.

Four days after Irene made landfall on the East Coast, the media is reporting that four towns or villages in New York are still submerged and close to 5,000 people remain in shelters. Residents are experiencing fresh flooding after river levels rose dramatically during the last 24 hours in New York, New Jersey and Vermont. Six people have died in New York State bringing the total to 44 deaths in the U.S. as a result of Hurricane Irene.

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Photos and video will be available at www.ifawimages.com

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED