In response to evacuation orders prompted by two severe wildfires in Conception Bay, residents had to act swiftly to ensure the safety of both people and animals. Among the challenges faced during evacuation was the need to relocate animals to safety.
In Holyrood, one rancher had the daunting task of transporting 29 horses to safety, while another pet owner required emergency services to assist in evacuating nine animals. Similarly, an animal rescue organization in Carbonear extended its support to various animals affected by the wildfires.
Katrina Butler, the owner of Sliding K Ranch, immediately prioritized relocating her horses as the wildfires began in Holyrood, N.L. Butler, whose trailer could only accommodate four horses, sought assistance from the community through Facebook. Remarkably, eight trailers were brought in by volunteers to aid in the evacuation effort, leading to the horses finding shelter at four different stables in St. John’s.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received, Butler commended the community’s unity and generosity in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, Holyrood resident Leah Snook faced a challenging evacuation situation as she had to vacate her residence with her family and nine animals. Lacking transportation and hearing about the evacuation through social media, Snook had to strategize the evacuation of two cats, two dogs, and five chickens.
After a prolonged wait and unsuccessful attempts by family members to provide transportation, Snook eventually contacted 911 for search and rescue assistance. Within half an hour, search and rescue crews arrived, transporting them to the evacuation center, where the animals were temporarily housed before being taken in by family members.
In Kingston, N.L., a wildfire prompted evacuations in several Conception Bay North communities. To aid evacuees, a Carbonear-based animal rescue group initiated donation collections and provided shelter for animals in need. Volunteer Shannon Layman detailed the efforts, including gathering donations and utilizing volunteer trucks to deliver essential supplies to the evacuation center.
Notably, the local community’s support transformed a volunteer’s backyard into a makeshift farm, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) even assisting by transporting four goats to the location in their cruisers.