{"id":72779,"date":"2016-07-25T18:11:08","date_gmt":"2016-07-26T01:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theavtimes.com\/?p=72779"},"modified":"2016-09-22T09:21:46","modified_gmt":"2016-09-22T16:21:46","slug":"county-shelters-housing-displaced-animals-due-to-sand-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theavtimes.com\/2016\/07\/25\/county-shelters-housing-displaced-animals-due-to-sand-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"County shelters housing displaced animals due to Sand Fire"},"content":{"rendered":"

LANCASTER – While the Sand Fire has forced thousands of residents from their homes, hundreds of animals and pets were being held in a variety of shelters Monday while fire crews continued battling the blaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the county Department of Animal Care and Control, the displaced animals being cared for at shelters include 345 horses, 165 goats, 111 chickens, 33 pigs and even a Brahma bull.<\/span><\/p>\n

Displaced llama, mules, sheep, rabbits, turkeys and donkeys are also among the critters being overseen at shelters, including the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smaller animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs were being cared for at county animal shelters in Lancaster, Agoura, Castaic and Palmdale. Temporary shelter facilities have also been established at evacuation centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

VCA Animal Hospitals announced that some of its area hospitals will offer free boarding for small pets. The animals must be vaccinated, but if they aren’t, the hospital will offer free vaccinations, along with health screenings. Residents are urged to contact the hospitals in advance to ensure space is available. The hospitals are:<\/span><\/p>\n