West Yorkshire fire service introduces a new initiative to save animal lives

New steps have been taken by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) to keep furry friends safe and sound, thanks to a generous donation from a local animal charity. 

Huddersfield Feral and Strays has fundraised to ensure animal welfare kits are now a standard on every single West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engine, including appropriately sized oxygen masks, and calming wipes to help any animal that crews encounter.

Sally Fletcher one of the co-founders of the charity, held bake sales, raffles and other fundraising events to fund the initiative. She then worked with the operational equipment team at WYFRS to see which items would be best placed to help animals who are often rescued from fires or water by the crews.

“I first had the idea way back in 2017 and approached WYFRS to see if this is something they could use, to really help make a difference to animals in our community. We’ve then set about as a charity raising the funds to allow them to be trialled on several appliances. We did face delays due to the pandemic, but we are delighted that these lifesaving kits will be on every appliance in the district.”

Sally Fletcher.

James Bartle, Watch Manager for Operational Equipment, WYFRS said the kits will make a big difference on how they can treat animals who are distressed, trapped or who have been in an oxygen deficient environment, such as a house fire.

“Thanks to Sally and her team we can now provide effective oxygen therapy to animals. Thanks to Huddersfield Feral and Strays and all the kind donations West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are better prepared when facing incidents involving animals.” 

James Bartle, Watch Manager for Operational Equipment, WYFRS

Alongside the kits, the charity has worked with WYFRS to create specialist training videos to ensure crews are as informed as possible around the treatment of animals in the community. 

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