The Hoof Beat, June 2003

LA County Equine Response Team

Photographs courtesy of the volunteers & staff of the Equine ResponseTeam.

“The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control established the LA County Equine Response Team, which is made up of experienced volunteers who are trained and ready to help the department evacuate large animals during emergency situations. Team members have to complete an extensive large animal handling training program and learn how to work with frightened animals in difficult situations. Putting together the Equine Response Team involved two years of intense development and the cooperation and involvement of staff not only from the Department of Animal Care and Control, but the Fire Department, the Sheriff's Department, Risk Management, the California Highway Patrol and county attorneys.”

LACDACC ERT stands for Los Angeles County Dept of Animal Care & Control Equine Response Team. If you would like to make a difference as an equestrian, contact Mary Lukins, the LACDACC ERT Coordinator, at (818) 991-8065. Classes have already started up for this year, but Mary will be happy to speak to anyone who is interested in joining the team.