Hi

I live in Maryland and there is an organization, the Maryland State
Animal Response Team, that is starting up to prepare and respond to
emergencies affecting animals, whether it is man-made or natural
disasters, or even those involving "collectors" or hoarders of animals.
Recent federal legislation has mandated that local jurisdictions
address animal/pet issues in their response plans (part of FEMA)  The
Maryland Department of Agriculture is offering guidance and assistance
to the counties, Baltimore City and any other large city which may
desire to have such plans. The key element is the County/City Animal
Response Team (CARTS). A CART can also function as an operational unit
in much the same manner as a volunteer fire department , to plan for,
train for and respond to and recover from emergencies large and small
involving animals. Of course, this effort will involve local emergency
managers, vet professionals, pet breed rescue and associations, county
public health, kennels, law enforcement, animal care and control
agencies, etc and the establishment of shelter areas in case of
emergency. There was a volunteer meeting at the Maryland Emergency
Management Association (MEMA) in July and there are numerous committees
being established to help make this a reality in Maryland. I am on the
Operational Committee to help establish the plan, and the committee
to establish a Baltimore County CART. Any interested individuals in
Maryland please log on to www.mdsart.org to find out more. They will
also be at the Maryland State Fair in the Cow Palace.

Thanks
Sherri James

[Posted in FML 5706]