To prepare state and county animal response teams to aid animals during emergencies, the New Jersey Animal Emergency Working Group will hold its 13th annual symposium March 1, 2010, in Westampton.

The daylong seminar will seek to ensure all counties have animal emergency response plans in place and know the resources available to them. Hands-on training and demonstrations will involve equine, bovine, swine, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and wildlife.

New Jersey has more than 1.7 million farm animals, mostly chickens, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. In addition, there are millions of dogs and cats owned throughout the state.

Disasters, such as the earthquake in Haiti, which killed, injured and rendered animals homeless, highlight the need for trained personnel who can address the needs of animals in emergency situations