American Humane Association's Red Star Rescue Team Mobilizes To Help Animal Victims Of Colorado Wildfires

Convoy of Vehicles Including 82-foot-long Red Star "Rescue Rig" on Way to Colorado Springs; Emergency Deployment of Volunteers and Supplies Supported by Mars Petcare US

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As tens of thousands of residents flee the worst wildfires in Colorado history, American Humane Association has mobilized its famed Red Star™ rescue team and is rushing to help the animal victims of the disaster.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO )

Through the generous support of  Mars Petcare US, makers of Pedigree® Food for Dogs and Whiskas® Food for Cats, Red Star, which has a nearly century-long legacy of animal relief, is reaching out with critical help and on-the-ground rescue and support services. Their 82-foot-long "Rescue Rig" is fully equipped with a mobile operating theater, emergency rescue equipment, and accommodations for 12 volunteers.

As part of a coordinated response to the fires, Red Star was invited by the State of Colorado to deploy as an approved first-responder to assist pets in need and to help provide emergency rescue operations, sheltering and much-needed care to these innocent animal victims.  The Red Star Rescue Rig left its home base in Denver this morning and is on its way now to Colorado Springs, where it is expected to arrive later today to begin setting up an additional emergency shelter at the Cheyenne Mountain High School.  A convoy of support vehicles including a 4-wheel-drive pickup and horse trailer will follow the Rescue Rig to begin the rescues.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, children and animals of Colorado," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "Fortunately, our Red Star team is well-trained and well-qualified to handle this kind of emergency.  Help is on the way!"

"Mars Petcare is proud to be helping protect our communities by supporting the legendary Red Star Rescue Team," said Angel May, community affairs manager for Mars Petcare US. "We're working closely with American Humane Association to send volunteers, food and supplies to support the on-the-ground effort in Colorado."

For more news about the Red Star team's emergency work during these disasters or to support their efforts to help animals in crisis, please go to www.americanhumane.org

About American Humane Association
Since 1877 American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm animals. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About the Red Star™ Rescue Team
American Humane Association's Red Star Rescue Services were established in 1916 to save wounded horses on the battlefields of Europe during World War I. Since then they have been involved in virtually every major relief effort at home and around the world, including the Great Ohio Flood of 1940, Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin tornado, the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, and the 9/11 terror attacks.  With its famous 82-foot "Rescue Rig" and more than 200 volunteers nationwide, Red Star has rescued and sheltered more than 64,000 helpless and frightened animals in just the past five years.

About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand and TEMPTATIONS® Treats for Cats. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,400 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 15 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

SOURCE American Humane Association