NEW LAW COUPLED WITH A PROGRAM CALLED “PROJECT BREATHE” IS SAVING ANIMALS FROM DYING IN FIRES

NEW LAW COUPLED WITH A PROGRAM CALLED “PROJECT BREATHE” IS SAVING ANIMALS FROM DYING IN FIRES

I have always had a great respect for firefighters. It amazes me that they will go into a burning building and risk their own lives to save an animal. Most people, especially those who do not favor animals would say, “It’s just an animal, why risk human life?” For those of us who have animals we are thankful that they do. We appreciate these firefighting heroes. A bill signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker, called “The Save Our Pets Law” will now allow firefighters and other emergency crews to provide emergency care to dogs, cats, and other pets. Previously, under the “Wisconsin Veterinarian Practice Act”, only licensed veterinarians were allowed to give aid to pets in an emergency. Waiting for a veterinarian to arrive on the scene, could take more time than some animals have when it comes to saving their lives. Before the new law many first responders were hesitant to save pets because of the legal issues involved. With the new law in place many fire departments are now in need of the equipment used to save animals in distress. It is imperative that fire departments have animal oxygen masks. The West Allis Fire Department acquired new pet oxygen masks made specifically for animals. There are three different sizes to help resuscitate animals. The fire department has a total of nine masks that are kept on their front line trucks. The masks were donated by a company called “Invisible Fence” which sells and installs invisible fence systems to keep your pet safe. The company has been in business since 1973. Information I gathered from their website estimates that nearly 40,000 to 150,000 pets die each year in fires. Most die from asphyxiation or smoke inhalation injuries. Throughout the country many emergency responders do not have the equipment to resuscitate and save pets. The animals fate relies on hoping a veterinarian can arrive quick enough, and for some that can be too late. Invisible Fence created a program called “Project Breathe”. The program donates pet oxygen mask kits to fire departments and other first responders. Each kit includes a small, medium, and large mask. So far, the program has saved at least 190 pets from fire and smoke inhalation with the 23,500 or more masks that have been donated. PEOPLESPETPALS supports the well-being of animals and would like to ask you to pass along this information. Please share with this article with others so we can help our local fire departments acquire the needed supplies to save animals lives.

Fire departments are eligible to receive one kit per station, and may request one online at:

https://www.invisiblefence.com/why-invisible-fence/project-breathe

If you would like more information on how you can donate a pet oxygen mask kit to your local fire department please visit the “PROJECT BREATHE” website.

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