April 18, 1906
In the wake San Francisco's devastating earthquake and fire, the San Francisco SPCA moved quickly to the aid of the city's animals. Early on the morning of April 18th, SF/SPCA officers went to the stable districts and helped rescue hundreds of horses from burning buildings. After the fire, The SF/SPCA sent out a wagon to pick up dogs who had been separated from their people. Over the course of ten days, The SF/SPCA rescued 336 lost dogs suffering from hunger and thirst.
Soon San Francisco was busy with cleanup and reconstruction. Thousands of horses were constantly at work hauling heavy loads of debris, sand and building materials. Many were forced to go without water from the time they left the stables in early morning until they returned at night. Responding to their plight, The SF/SPCA built water troughs in burned-out areas of the city, so the hard-working horses could get relief during the day.
October 18, 1989
Within minutes of the Loma Prieta earthquake, The SF/SPCA launched relief efforts in the most devastated areas of San Francisco. SF/SPCA staff helped people control frantic, frightened pets and distributed bowls, collars, leashes, water and pet food. The SF/SPCA also located temporary housing for pets of people displaced by the quake.
The SF/SPCA also coordinated animal relief efforts for the entire Bay Area. It accepted donations of food and supplies and transported desperately needed provisions to hard-hit areas, including animal shelters in Ben Lomond, Santa Clara, Hollister and Santa Cruz. In the weeks following the quake, SF/SPCA vehicles logged thousands of miles delivering flashlights, batteries, blankets, cat carriers, five-gallon drums of water and more than 25,000 pounds of pet food to Northern California shelters.
# # #
The San Francisco SPCA is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless dogs and cats, to providing lifesaving care and treatment to dogs and cats in need, to helping pets stay in loving homes, and to cultivating respect and awareness for the rights and needs of animals and the importance of the human-animal bond. Founded in 1868, The SF/SPCA is a national leader in saving lives and raising the status of companion animals. The SF/SPCA is preparing to build a world-class veterinary medical center and training facility, with construction slated to begin in 2006. For more information, visit www.sfspca.org.
