By Erin Faulk, Staff writer

efaulk@observer-reporter.com

When Hurricane Floyd devastated much of North Carolina and its livestock in 1995, the state became the first to form a State Animal Response Team, inspiring others to do the same.

Today, there are SART teams in 60 Pennsylvania counties that provide a quick and highly organized response to a variety of animal-related emergencies and for animals ranging from house pets to livestock.

SART State Executive Director Joel Hersh organized two meetings in Washington County Tuesday to expand the number of volunteers in the county, which currently stands at just five.

The sparsely attended first meeting attracted prospective volunteers who had previously been to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and saw the destruction to humans and animals. Emergency personnel who are frequently called to deal with incidents affecting animals for which they do not always have the training were also in attendance.

The organization works to decrease threats to humans and animals by preventing both the spread of diseases and negative economic impact.

Hurricanes may be an unlikely threat to Western Pennsylvania, but SART members are also trained to respond to floods, auto accidents involving animals and stray animals that find their way to public places.

"We're there to fill an unmet need," Hersh said. "We only go out when 911 asks for our help, and we don't respond if we can't safely retrieve an animal."

The organization receives grants and donations, but Hersh said that because the value of Pennsylvania agriculture exceeds $4 billion and is such an important part of the state's economy, much of the organization's funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

To receive federal money, SART must meet the guidelines of the Incident Command System, which provides guidelines for all emergency response teams. SART provides volunteers with liability, auto and medical insurance while on the job. Volunteers must complete orientation and HAZMAT Awareness programs as part of the training.

The next SART informational meeting will be held Aug. 8 in Public Meeting Room 104 of the Washington County Courthouse Square Building.

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