Animals rescued by firefighters in West Yorkshire will now be treated with specialist animal welfare kits due to the fundraising efforts of Huddersfield animal charity.
The kits will include a variety of equipment such as animal specialist oxygen masks, muzzles, slip-on leads and calming wipes which help to decrease an animal’s stress levels after accidents.
Watch Manager for Operational Equipment James Bartle said the kit will “make a big difference” to how distressed and injured animals have been treated after they are rescued.
In 2023 West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (WYFR) responded to 39 animal assistance incidents.
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Camy Thumwood founder of PET ALERT said animals such as “dogs can only survive 10-15 minutes” when inhaling smoke and pass out after around 2. This means that the use of appropriate kit is essential for ensuring the recovery of the animals.
The introduction of the kits is due to the efforts of animal charity, Huddersfield Feral and Strays. Who helped to fundraise to ensure that the welfare is now standard on every West Yorkshire fire engine.
The charity fundraiser for the kit by holding bake sales, a sponsored skydive, conducting raffles, and generous public donations.
Charity co-founder Sally Fletcher said in an interview that she “first had the idea way back in 2017 and approached WYFRS to see if this is something they could use, to really help make a difference to animals in our community.”
“The people of West Yorkshire have been generous, donating money and sponsoring me for all sorts of things, it’s a great feeling to know this equipment is now on every fire engine, to help protect animals across West Yorkshire.”
The charity has also helped to develop training videos to help educate crews about the appropriate use of the welfare kits.
Mr Barlte said: “The kit will make a big difference to how we can treat animals who are distressed, trapped or who have been in an oxygen deficient environment.
“The kit contains muzzles, a slip lead and calming wipes. As we all know animals can become very distressed, and I can think back to a few incidents I have attended where these would have been very useful, for the safety of the animals and the crews. Thanks to Huddersfield Feral and Strays and all the kind donations West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are better prepared when facing incidents involving animals.”