Keeping horses and large animals safe before and after Fay.
Horses and other large animals need special care during and after storms. Broward County officials offer these tips as Tropical Storm Fay approaches. South Florida’s three counties all are under tropical storm warnings and flood alerts.
And be aware that even after Fay's winds and rain hav passed, standing water can cause problems with horses’ hooves and their feed. Now is the time to make your final preparations.
BEFORE THE STORM:
* Horses should be kept on the owner's or caretaker's property, if possible. If you plan to evacuate your animal out of the area, go early.
* In a Category 1 storm, animals may be safe in a sturdy barn. In a Category 2 storm or higher, animals are probably safest in a large pasture with room to move around, allowing them to utilize their best instincts if there are no electrical wires to come down and the fences are in good repair.
* Do NOT tranquilize your horse!
* Make sure your animal is well identified by spray painting your phone number on your horse's body; attach a fetlock band or mare band with your name address and phone numbers in permanent ink; braid a luggage tag into your horses mane or tail close to the body (be sure its water proofed).
* Be sure to have photos of you with your animals, showing any unique markings, to prove ownership.
* Be sure that your horse is wearing a leather halter which will make it easier for someone to catch your horse if it gets loose.
* Plan for water (20 gallons per animal per day) and feed and hay for your horse.
* Have on hand a supply of basic first aid items, i.e., bandages, anesthetics, etc.
* Do not stay with your horse! You cannot help a frightened, 1,000-pound animal, and you may get hurt.
PROTECTING YOUR ANIMALS FROM FLOOD WATERS:
* Move your large animals to high ground.
* Cleanse feet and hooves with iodine. Once the iodine dries, the feet and hooves should be covered with Vaseline or petroleum jelly for protection from standing water and infection.
* Feed and hay should be moved above ground three feet to avoid water damage and mold.
(Keep reading for links to more information).
Click here for a link to Palm Beach County Animal Care division's link to hurricane preparation and procedures for pets, livestock and large animals such as horses.
Click here for a link to Broward County's hurricane guide for large animal care. Also, Broward is asking horse owners to register their animals in advance. You can find the link in the large animal care guide.
Caretakers and/or horse owners should contact the Broward County Hurricane Hotline at 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 if the horse is in standing water up to their knees post-storm.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
This blog entry had great info about how to keep horses safe during disasters. Thank you!
Readers may also wish to check out the FloridaPets.net "2008 Pet-Friendly Emergency Shelter Guide" for places for people and small animals to stay in Florida:
http://www.floridapets.net/petfriendlyshelters.html
Posted by: Patricia Collier | August 19, 2008 11:55 PM