Some of the most compelling images from disaster scenes are those of animals that have been stranded and are in need of aid. However, when the animals that are in need weigh more than 1,000 pounds and are frightened, rescue operations quickly become complicated and dangerous for both the animal and the rescuer.

Through an innovative partnership, faculty and staff at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine International Animal Welfare Training Institute (UC Davis IAWTI), Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), a new continuing education course is preparing first responders and veterinarians to safely handle and rescue large animals caught in disaster.

"It began when a colleague of mine, Dr. Charlie Anderson (, and I developed a new sling to help with horses that were arriving at our clinic unable to stand," said John Madigan, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of medicine and epidemiology at UC Davis. "Soon after, we were asked to assist with the rescue of some horses and mules that were stranded in the Sierras using our sling and a helicopter lift. We were able to coordinate a successful rescue that resulted in a great deal of media coverage. From floods to hurricanes to wildfires, we have been able to perform successful rescues, and the attention that these operations garner has generated increased awareness of larger animal issues in emergency response as well as the recognition that veterinarians need to be involved."

Shortly after these early rescues, Madigan was joined by Tracey Stevens in 2008, who now serves as deputy director of the UC Davis IAWTI. A variety of funding for the institute has come forth to include an $800,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to create state and national programs that would bring animal issues together with emergency response