Hbitat for Horses

North Florida Horse Rescue

An Equine Disaster Assistance and Resource Website Serving North Florida and Surrounding Areas.

Our mission is to provide and secure the safety and well being of all horses before, during and after a disaster, to educate the public about responsible horse ownership and to increase public awareness of the necessity to microchip for identification.

North Florida Horse Rescue organization
Mattie - our 'golden' rescue dog from hurricane Katrina
Mattie -
Our 'Katrina' Mascot

Please fill out and mail or email our Horse Information Sheet below to provide the NFHR with the facts we will need to assist you with your evacuation requirements.

Click here for the Horse Information Sheet (PDF)

Click here for the Horse Information Sheet (DOC)

MICROCHIPPING

The microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification, which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed - a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.

Note that the chip must be injected correctly into the horse's neck or it may be absorbed into the bloodstream instead of being permanently attached. Please be sure that your veterinarian is trained correctly in the injection procedure.

Click here for the Microchip Registration Form (PDF)

Click here for the Microchip Registration Form (DOC)

The Shelter Buddy dababase software has been dontated for the NFHR's use to track lost and found animals.

Sponsors
North Florida Horse Resource
Avid Equine Chip & HORSEtrac
HorsesintheSouth.com/ NorthFloridaHorse.com
Ravenwood Farm
Northeast Florida Dressage Association
First Coast Hunter Jumper Association

Click here to read our Newsletter (PDF)

To submit an article, send an email to
hfh-comm@horsesinthesouth.com

North Florida Horse Rescue has merged with Habitat for Horses. You should be redirected in 3 seconds. If not, click on the link above for information.

Watch for the new site that will keep you informed of all of the events and activities of the South East Division of Habitat for Horses as well as CERT Mounted Unit, NEFCART (North East Florida County Animal Resource Team) and all disaster preparedness activities in our area.

See the Florida/local ADOPTABLE HORSES on the NFHR Adoption page with information and pictures! See HABITATFORHORSES.ORG for all adoptable horses.

NEW! - North Florida Horse Resource

Your Local RRavenwoodFarm.netesources and Information Guide

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS - FLORIDA/GEORGIA WILDFIRES - May 11, 2007 - More evacuations are in progress for the Baker & Columbia County areas. Call a number below for information. We will be adding information as is is disseminated. The southeast division of Habitat for Horses is on standby and is assisting in evacuations for equines. Contact Chris & Dale Dunn (both are SART OPS liasions) cdunn@habitatforhorses.org or ravenwoodfarm@horsesinthesouth.com or call 904-626-1990 for more information. Horses in the South is providing communication services, so if you have a communique or information that needs to be disseminated, email Teri Rehkopf, hfh-comm@horsesinthesouth.com, 904-571-5561 (cell).

EMERGENCY INFORMATION CONTACT NUMBERS

  • Bradford County: 904-966-6300
  • Clay County: 800-246-3320
  • Baker County: 904-259-6111
  • Charlton County: 912-496-3687
  • Columbia County: 386-758-1125
  • SE Georgia: 912-287-4467

Forestry officials say Friday morning that a total of 236 fires in Florida had consumed over 87,000 acres -- or more than 136 square miles. See News4Jax.com for addiional information. Officials said the Okefenokee swamp wildfire, ignited by lightning striking the swamp Saturday, had grown so rapidly that after six days it already rivaled a fire that has scorched 116,480 acres of southeast Georgia forest and swampland since April 16 -- the state's largest wildfire on record. More at News4Georgia

May 8, 2007 - TALLAHASSEE—Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is encouraging people to plan ahead for their animals in the event of an evacuation. Numerous communities have had to evacuate and Bronson says citizens should not wait until the order to evacuate comes to think about how they are going to deal with pets and other animals. Read more>

Bronson’s Division of Animal Industry website http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai  (click on “Emergency Management”) provides extensive information for owners of large and small animals who may be in harms way.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center has 400 stalls available for equine evacuees. Clay County Florida Fairgrounds has 30 stalls available. Canterbury Showgrounds in Newberry, FL has 40 stalls available. Contact chris@horsesinthesouth.com for more equine evacuation information.

The State Emergency Operations Center is now at a Level I Activation for Wildfire response. All Sections, Branches and Emergency Support Functions should report to the EOC. Emergency Support Functions that don't have active or potential missions will be released as appropriate. Staffing hours have yet to be determined.

Mark Fuller
Deputy Chief of Operations
Florida Division of Emergency Management
(850) 528-7530 (cell)

Rick Sapp for Joe Kight
2225 SW 73rd Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32607
352-332-7318 home/office
352-514-4279 cell
rsa5@cox.net

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

  • Bradford County: 904-966-6300
  • Clay County: 800-246-3320
  • Baker County: 904-259-6111
  • Charlton County: 912-496-3687

Sunshine State Horse Council Disaster Preparedness Plan (PDF)

As you all are aware we are having a difficult time this year with fires.  The information and pictures from Georgia are heartbreaking.  Monday (April 30th) there were 2 fires in Clay County and 1 in Duval that set everyone on edge and ready to evacuate.

Several barns would have had to evacuate had one of the fires in Clay County not been contained.  Chris Dunn of Habitat for Horses & North Florida Horse Resource was called to help if evacuation had been imminent however, Chris has only one horse trailer that can haul 4 horses and a pony at one time. So, if you could assist if there is a need to help evacuate anyone should they be in danger please email her the information below so that she can compile a list for future use.  You can cut and paste this information into an email to her at:  chris@horsesinthesouth.com and please put "Emergency Trailering" in the subject line.

  • NAME:
  • ADDRESS:
  • AREA OF TOWN: 
  • HOME PHONE:
  • CELL PHONE:
  • WHEN AVAILABLE TO HELP EVACUATE:
  • DESCRIPTION OF TRAILER:
  • CAN YOU BE AN EVACUATION SITE:  YES OR NO AND HOW MANY COULD YOU HOLD

As always, Chris thanks you for your help and support.  Dale and Chris would not be able to do what they do without you, and Hurricane Season is just around the corner.  They will be in contact with you shortly to let you know about training sessions and what you can do to help and most of all to be prepared.

May 4, 2007 - Please see the attached Executive Order 07-86, regarding the declaration of a State of Emergency due to the ongoing danger of wildfires and drought conditions that continues to threaten the State of Florida. Read more>

Chris Dunn is the Clay County Mounted CERT Unit Commander. For more information, contact her at chris@horsesinthesouth.com.

Click here for the CERT Mounted Unit Qualifications (PDF)

Click here for the CERT Mounted Unit Qualifications (DOC)

Click here for the CERT Mounted Unit Application (PDF)

Click here for the CERT Mounted Unit Application (DOC)

amacausa

American Microchip Advisory Council for Animals. Request For Vote: Animal care providers have expressed concern about the proliferation of companies offering microchip-based recovery services. Read more>

~~~~~~~~~

Hurricane season preparation!

Follow the emergency guidelines below to prepare for a hurricane event. 

If you are in the suspected path of this approaching storm, please prepare for this event.  Be ready to evacuate if we achieve a level 3 alert.

Please let us know if you will need assistance for evacuation purposes.  You will be notified as to where to evacuate to.

Contact numbers:

HFH Phone:  904-626-1990 (leave msg if necessary with contact numbers & status)

HFH Email: cdunn@habitatforhorses.org (leave contact numbers and status)

Chris Dunn:  904-626-1990
Margaret Fleming:  904-778-1883 or 904-866-2199
Patti Lucas:  904-945-0603
Nancy Pooley: 904-228-7694
Michael & Sharon Key: 904-781-2130

Your cooperation and assistance is very important.

Thank you,

Habitat for Horses
Southeast Emergency Response Team
 
The following is the Emergency Protocol for HFH Team Leaders: please read and post along with your emergency team numbers.

ALERT FIVE: is the lowest level alert. It calls for ALL team leaders to contact Chris Dunn or Margaret Fleming immediately, to carry active cell phones and to be on a stand by basis.  If you cannot reach Chris or Margaret, contact Patty Lucas.

ALERT FOUR:  Members will be notified that preparations are to be made for self evacuation.   Members that are in need of evacuation assistance will notify the communications leader.  All team facilitators are on standby to go to the evacuation sites. Notify Centers if impending evacuation.  Hay and Feed team leader as well as donation team leader on standby to begin shipments of products to evacuation centers. Transportation team will begin process of setting routes.  Emergency Team leaders will confirm operational status.  Emergency communication center opens at this time, county emergency management offices, FLSART, and local authorities will be notified of our status. 

ALERT THREE: Evacuation to designated centers begins NOW.  Facility Teams will proceed to their assigned locations.  Begin delivery of supplies to centers.  Please check in with registrar at your facility. TV, radio stations, and 211 numbers will be notified of evacuation centers and locations.

ALERT TWO:  Once all our members have evacuated, then we will assist the general public to evacuate.

ALERT ONE:  We are in lockdown - all is at a standstill until the emergency has passed.  All movement will cease.

If members do not contact us by Alert Level Four than we are pressed to be of the opinion that you are not in need of assistance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SPONSORS NEEDED TO BE A PART OF THIS WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION!

WE WILL LIST YOUR WEBSITE LINK, YOUR NAME AND/OR YOUR LOGO ON OUR WEBSITE.

CLICK BELOW TO PAY BY PAYPAL OR CONTACT

CHRIS@HORSESINTHESOUTH.COM

 

Hurricane Season Preparedness for Florida (PDF)

Hurricane Season Preparedness for Florida (DOC)

````````````````````````````````

June 2, 2006

Dear Friends,

Yesterday was the opening of the 2006 Hurricane Season and all our resources say this is going to be another bad year.  Volunteers at North Florida Horse Rescue/Habitat for Horses have been burning the midnight oil trying to make sure all of the disaster preparedness plans are up and running.  We are not quite there but I think we definitely know more this year than in the past. It has been a whirlwind education for Dale and me but the long term effect will be rewarding as we have provided to as many of you as possible the information needed to put your personal plans in effect as well as knowing your horses are safely microchipped. Dale, I and others have taken hours of instruction in animal and community emergency response and will continue to do so.  We are now known all over the U.S. as a organization that is dedicated to disaster response with calls from Equus Magazine, other states and numerous federal, state and county emergency response teams. So as you can see we have been working hard to spread the word and get trained.  We have even been asked to form the Clay County Mounted CERT squad, the first for Clay County .

 

Click here to read the article that was printed in the June issue of the Marion County Livestock News written by Dr. Dana Zimmel, DVM that we feel would provide additional information to you.  Also, we will be emailing out the NFHR/HfH Emergency Evacuation Form and we encourage all of you to complete it and return to us so that we will know where you are, how many animals you have, and if you will need assistance in case of evacuation. If you do not have an email address or do not receive this form please call us and we will be happy to mail you one. This information will be placed in a database along with the microchipped horses and maintained by NFHR/HfH for possible Hurricane evacuation.  We have the AVMA “Saving the Whole Family” pamphlet that we feel is also very important for you also.

 

If you still need your horses microchipped please contact your local veterinarian or contact our organization to make arrangements to have them microchipped as soon as possible.

 

We are happy to announce that NFHR/HfH will be offering lunch at the Northeast Florida Dressage June 10, 2006 show as a fundraiser to help us in providing more information and services for disaster preparedness to all horse owners.

 

Please stay in contact with us and if you should have any questions. Please do not hesitate to call me.  I want us to be prepared.

 

Best regards,

 

Chris Dunn

North Florida Horse Rescue, Inc., President
Habitat for Horses, Board of Directors, Southeast Emergency Coordinator
5860 Trawick Road
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
904-626-1990
www.NorthFloridaHorseRescue.org
www.habitatforhorses.org

Our mission is to provide and secure the safety and well being of all horses before, during and after a disaster, to educate the public about responsible horse ownership and to increase public awareness of the necessity to microchip for identification.

North Florida Horse Rescue merges
with Habitat for Horses, Inc.

Jacksonville , FL, Fall 2006 – North Florida Horse Rescue Inc. (NFHR) merges with Habitat for Horses Inc. (HfH) in a move that will benefit equines and equestrians throughout the southern central U.S. According to renowned horse rescue advocate Jerry Finch, Founder and President of Habitat for Horses, the organizations agreed to the merger which will increase the geographic service area, resources and volunteer base of those involved with equine cruelty and rescue activities. Finch is a registered Equine Abuse Investigator Level Three.

According to Chris Dunn, Director of North Florida Horse Rescue, the merger is a major step in the evolution of the northeast Florida organization which was founded in 2004. “NFHR will remain devoted to microchipping horses and disaster preparedness, as well as investigative procedures and techniques used to successfully bring safety to a horse in need. However, now we have increased resources, expertise and a larger volunteer base to serve the needs of horses and their owners in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas,” Dunn said. “This might mean anything from facilitating microchip clinics, to small and large scale rescue efforts, as well as adoption, abuse and slaughter concerns. The three primary goals of both organizations will include knowledge of equine issues and state laws, expert documentation and professionalism in the equine rescue and abuse field,” she said.

“To have an effect on the lives of horses, you must not only know the laws pertaining to them, you must know how to utilize those laws in a manner that is best for the horse’s welfare. With the merger of our organizations, many more individuals will now have the knowledge to appropriately respond to animal cruelty which is against the law in every state,” said Finch. “We are now among the largest equine humane organizations in the country in terms of the number of animals we are caring for and have the ability to save,” he said.

For more information, contact Chris Dunn at 904.626.1990 or 352.478.2412.

About NFHR:

North Florida Horse Ressource (NFHR) is a non-profit and animal disaster response organization that will provide evacuation assistance if animals are threatened by any hurricane, fire or flooding. NFHR educates all members and volunteers with the information of preparation and procedures before, during and after a disaster. Emergency rescue classes will be available and taught by team leaders from Hurricane Katrina rescue teams in order to be prepared before the next hurricane season. NFHR will provide disaster planning and rescue information and assistance through its members and volunteers to anyone and all of their animals. NFHR will strive to not leave any animal behind unless it is in a secure and safe environment. NFHR encourages and recommends proper identification on all animals such as microchipping and tattoos, and will provide assistance with other information of identification. Visit the website at www.NorthFloridaHorseRescue.com.

About Habitat for Horses:

Habitat for Horses is dedicated to changing the lives of horses and humans. Our goal is to create a world where horses are respected for their intrinsic value and for their ability to help us fulfill our emotional, behavioral and spiritual needs. We provide equine rescue services to law enforcement agencies, an active equine adoption program, an equine education center and equine-assisted services to youths and adults. The non-profit also welcomes volunteers in donating their time and efforts at Habitat for Horses. www.habitatforhorses.org

Press Release by Bonnie Hayflick

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keystone Heights resident Chris Dunn appointed to serve on the National Republican Congressional Committee's Business Advisory Council

-Dunn presented with 2006 National Leadership Award-

Washington DC - Founder and president of North Florida Horse Rescue and equine rescue advocate Chris Dunn, has been appointed by The National Republican Congressional Committee to serve on the Business Advisory Council (BAC) in recognition of her valuable contributions and dedication in emergency animal rescue and disaster response.

Dunn will serve as Honorary State Chairman of the Business Advisory Council in recognition of her outstanding service and willingness to provide leadership to important efforts.  She has also been honored with the group's 2006 National Leadership Award. Dunn will serve the State of Florida and is expected to play a crucial role in the efforts to involve top business people in the process of government reform.

According to Dunn, the Business Advisory Council was formed to involve the country's top business leaders in the process of government reform.  "Their experience and knowledge, together with their get-it-done attitudes, will lead the ways as we deal with the critical issues that affect economic stimulus in this country: tax reduction and simplification, affordable heath care, regulatory relief and reducing frivolous lawsuits," Dunn said.

"I am honored to be presented with the recognition on behalf of North Florida Horse Rescue. BAC recognizes and honors State Chairmen for their business and professional success, for the leadership they are already providing their communities, and for their willingness to provide leadership to this important effort," she said.

The Business Advisory Council is part of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and is dedicated to making sure that small business has a voice in Washington.

For more information contact Chris Dunn at 904.626.1990 or 352.478.2412 or email NFHR@ HorsesintheSouth.com.

Click here for the Microchip Registration Form (PDF)

Click here for the Microchip Registration Form (DOC

Click here to see our Press Release on HorsesintheSouth.com!!

A Council is available with the goal of an open interchange of ideas for groups who rely upon microchip identification. Visit www.amacaUSA.org to learn more about this council. Have your group join online to be able to give input! Read more>

North Florida Horse Rescue (now 'Resource') was an organization that was inspired by the trip Dale and Chris Dunn took to Lamar Dixon during the hurricanes that devastated the Louisiana area in 2005.

Read the articles on the Texas fires:

04/14/06 - Willie Nelson is writing a check today to Habitat for Horses from Farm Aid for $5,000 to be spent in the Panhandle for both horses and cattle! Thanks so much for your generous donation, Willie!!

Habitat for Horses/LSER has now secured a barn in McLean, TX! The County barn is open for our use to treat both horses and cattle burned in the fires. Under the direction of a local vet, HfH/LSER and local volunteers with take care of an increasing number of animals injured in the fires that swept across the area three weeks ago. The American Humane Association has stepped up to the plate to assist HfH/LSER in attending to the animals. They are sending in between 38 and 42 TONS of hay within the next few days, plus a truck load of feed. The Doris Day Animal Foundation is helping in our efforts with a cash donation. All we need now are panels, floor mats, shavings and volunteers. Please feel free to call and or write both organizations and thank them for helping us help the animals. They stood by us when other organizations refused to help. Watch for a press release.

The Devastation of the Texas Fires; they need HAY!! - By Jerry Finch of Habitat for Horses - "Fly Me to the Moon" - Early this morning, former kamikaze pilot Yoko Simmons met Val Taylor, a local lady and myself at the McLean International Airport , which is at the end of a very long dirt road just outside of town. Somehow, a town that has neither a McDonalds nor a Starbucks has a paved runway at the airport. What's missing is any sign of a building, but in a plane like his, that's probably good - less of a chance of hitting it. Except for the 30 mph winds, it was a good flying day. More>

Horse Protection Group Calls for Help After Panhandle Fires. Wildfires ravaged 1 million acres of the Texas Panhandle two weeks ago, killing 10,000 cows and horses, and leaving hundreds more in need of urgent help. More>

Val Taylor has arrived in McLean, Texas with a load of donated hay from Jim Floyd in Liberal, Kansas More>

There is a difference between hurricanes and fires; the fires hit the Panhandle and an old man with tear stained cheeks says, "I'm fine, thank you" More>

About Habitat for Horses:

Habitat for HorsesHabitat for Horses is dedicated to changing the lives of horses and humans. Our goal is to create a world where horses are respected for their intrinsic value and for their ability to help us fulfill our emotional, behavioral and spiritual needs. We provide equine rescue services to law enforcement agencies an active equine adoption program, an equine education center and equine-assisted services to youths and adults. The non-profit also welcomes volunteers in donating their time and efforts at Habitat for Horses. www.habitatforhorses.com.

For those of you who would like a little more info as to what NFHR is and where you would fit in:

North Florida Horse Resource is an animal disaster response organization that will provide evacuation and assistance if threatened by any hurricane, fire or flooding. NFHR educates all members and volunteers with the information on preparation and procedures before, during and after a disaster. It is not a matter of if we should be faced with a hurricane but when and NFHR will provide all information and assistance through the members and volunteers to anyone and all of their animals. We do not leave any animal behind unless it is in a secure and safe environment. We encourage and recommend proper identification on all animals such as microchipping, tatoos and assist with providing other information of identification. Clinics, classes and continued education will be provided to each and every member and volunteer. NFHR is strictly a VOLUNTEER service and we encourage every horse and animal owner to become an active part of this hard-working animal response team.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you and working together to network all horse and animal lovers and please pass this information on to others you know who would be interested.

Chris Dunn
Ravenwood Farm
North Florida Horse Rescue
cell: 904-626-1990, farm: 352-478-2412
chris@HorsesintheSouth.com

Jacksonville Pet Friendly Public
Evacuation Shelter Information
(PDF)

Copyright 2005-2006 HorsesintheSouth.com, North Florida Horse Rescue. All rights reserved.