In the wake of Hurricane Irene, the International Fund for Animal Welfare has mobilized to Cobleskill, New York, to conduct small and large animal water rescue operations in flooded areas.
Responding to a request from the State of New York, IFAW deployed two trained water rescue teams and a 36-foot rescue trailer carrying boats, dog crates, capture equipment and other supplies.
According to Dr. Dick Green, IFAW's Disaster Manager, at least 30 stranded horses need help right now and a large number of companion animals will also need rescue, food and shelter.
Four days after Irene made landfall on the East Coast, the media is reporting that at least 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.
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.