AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES ANIMAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE RESOURCES: New Animal Emergency Response Website Launched

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the launching of a new website at www.animalemergency.nj.gov that will provide the public with up-to-the minute information they would need to protect their pets and livestock in times of emergency.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Animal Emergency Response website and its companion mobile and tablet sites provide resources for animal owners to prepare for disasters of all kinds. It gives them resources on what they can do prior to, during and after emergencies.

“New Jersey has faced many emergencies, both large and small, in the last several years and we know that people feel very strongly about protecting their animals in those situations,” said Secretary Fisher. “Our new website gives folks the resources they need to care for their animals in those trying times and also keep themselves safe in the process.”

The website is provided in various formats to ensure access to its vital information whether at home or on-the-go. The site is interactive, allowing people to simply type in their location to find the nearest help available, including animal shelter, veterinary hospitals, offices of emergency management, feed stores, county fairgrounds and Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices.

In the event of an emergency, a “ticker” will be visible on the home page displaying real-time messages.

The site has species-specific information for preparing for, during and after emergencies, describes County Animal Response Teams, and has information about disaster assistance. “We learned a lot from past disasters, such as Superstorm Sandy, and we know that preparing ahead of time for such events will make things easier not only for animal owners but also first-responders,” said Dr. Manoel Tamassia, New Jersey State Veterinarian. “We ask that everyone spread the word and bookmark this site on your home computers, tablets and smart phones.”

The creation of the website was made possible by a grant to NJDA by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

“This is a great example of how multiple state agencies can work together to help protect New Jersey residents and their animals in times of disaster,” Fisher said.

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Contact: Lynne Richmond  (609) 633-2954

 E-mail:  lynne.richmond@ag.state.nj.us

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