LIVINGSTON -- A natural or man-made disaster can strike in seconds, displacing hundreds of families in its path of destruction.
But what about those family's four-legged companions?
Even in the midst of superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of people risked their lives by refusing to leave without their pets.
CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsunstar.com Foster Farms employee Emily Fleischmann, 38, signs the Foster Farms Humane Pledge on an iPad with the help of Dominic Metz, 20, part of the American Humane Association, at Foster Farms headquarters in Livingston on Tuesday (3-12-13). The American Humane Association announced Foster Farms as the first major poultry producer to be labeled as American Humane Certified. AHA's Red Star Rescue Rig, which aids in animal rescues during disasters, was open for Foster Farms employees to walk through, along with other information boards and exhibits that told the history of the humane movement in the U.S. and what AHA does to promote the humane treatment of animals.
CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsunstar.com American Humane Association's field operation manager for their farm animal program Rich Musselman, 55, at right, talks about AHA's history of humane treatment of animals using a timeline display to a group of Livingston High School veterinary science students, at Foster Farms headquarters in Livingston on Tuesday (3-12-13). The American Humane Association announced Foster Farms as the first major poultry producer to be labeled as American Humane Certified. AHA's Red Star Rescue Rig, which aids in animal rescues during disasters, was open for Foster Farms employees to walk through, along with other information boards and exhibits that told the history of the humane movement in the U.S. and what AHA does to promote the humane treatment of animals.
CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsunstar.com American Humane Association's field operation manager for their farm animal program Rich Musselman, 55, at right, talks about AHA's history of humane treatment of animals using a timeline display to a group of Livingston High School veterinary science students, at Foster Farms headquarters in Livingston on Tuesday (3-12-13). The American Humane Association announced Foster Farms as the first major poultry producer to be labeled as American Humane Certified. AHA's Red Star Rescue Rig, which aids in animal rescues during disasters, was open for Foster Farms employees to walk through, along with other information boards and exhibits that told the history of the humane movement in the U.S. and what AHA does to promote the humane treatment of animals.
Merced Sun-Star - CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsunstar.com American Humane Association's field operation manager for their farm animal program Rich Musselman, 55, at right, talks about AHA's history of humane treatment of animals using a timeline display to Livingston High School veterinary science students Stephanie Land, 16 of Livingston, and Stefani Ventura, 17 of Livingston, far left, at Foster Farms headquarters in Livingston on Tuesday (3-12-13). The American Humane Association announced Foster Farms as the first major poultry producer to be labeled as American Humane Certified. AHA's Red Star Rescue Rig, which aids in animal rescues during disasters, was open for Foster Farms employees to walk through, along with other information boards and exhibits that told the history of the humane movement in the U.S. and what AHA does to promote the humane treatment of animals.
Merced Sun-Star - CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsunstar.com A model replica of an American Humane Certified animal research facility from Fresno State was on display at Foster Farms headquarters in Livingston on Tuesday (3-12-13). The American Humane Association announced Foster Farms as the first major poultry producer to be labeled as American Humane Certified. AHA's Red Star Rescue Rig, which aids in animal rescues during disasters, was open for Foster Farms employees to walk through, along with other information boards and exhibits that told the history of the humane movement in the U.S. and what AHA does to promote the humane treatment of animals.
Others had no choice and were separated from their furry family members.
But the American Humane Association reacted to those disasters, sending its 82-foot big rig to save displaced animals and provide on-site veterinary services.
On Tuesday, the rig opened its doors to Foster Farms employees and the general public in Livingston. It was all part of an eight-city tour sponsored by Foster Farms, which became certified by the American Humane Association this week.
After Livingston, the rig will make stops in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Kathi Brock, national director of the American Humane Association's Humane Heartland Program, said the big rig has traveled the country and seen its share of disasters.
"It goes to all of the natural disasters -- wherever animals are threatened and there's not enough local support to help," Brock said. "When a person loses their home, we'll help by sheltering the animal and seeing that it gets to a safe place or back to its owner."
The rig, which holds up to 10 people, can deploy rescue gear in critical disasters.
The crew has rescued 70,000 animals in the last five years alone.
And it's not just domestic pets, such as dogs and cats. They've taken in farm animals including horses and pigs.
Greta Janz, vice president of marketing at Foster Farms, said the big rig tour allows the public to learn about the American Humane Association's programs for animals.
She called the AHA certification a "milestone," adding that it means the Livingston-based company is meeting the association's animal welfare standards.
A 200-point checklist sets requirements for chickens' living conditions, including climate-controlled barns, diet and food standards. Those strict standards must be met by all 140 Foster Farms ranches, she said.
Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's president and chief executive officer, said the certification shows Foster Farms' commitment to doing the right thing.
"Foster (Farms) has given a voice to the voiceless," she said. "It shows that they're stepping out in a leadership position to show that it's important to raise birds humanely. Quite frankly, it's what families expect."
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