News: Loudoun County Animal and Control Asks Owners of Horses and Livestock to Prepare for Power Outages

(Feb. 9, 2010) - Loudoun County Animal Care and Control reminds owners of horses and livestock to be prepared to care for their animals during the upcoming winter storm and for the possibility of power outages.

The following tips will help ensure that horses and livestock are kept safe during winter weather:

Ensure that animals have adequate shelter with plenty of dry bedding.
Store extra water inside houses or heated barns.
Be sure to have extra food available and ready.
Do not use space heaters inside barns or places where hay is stored.
If you are caring for sick or injured animals, be sure to make special accommodations for their care and well-being.

Additional planning resources for horse and livestock owners are available online from the American Association of Equine Practitioners at: http://www.aaep.org/emergency_prep.htm and from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/livestock.shtm.

Animal owners who have extra stockpiles of hay or grain are encouraged to check on neighbors and offer help if possible.

Loudoun County Animal Control is available to assist with emergency situations. Animal Control can be reached during normal business hours at 703-777-0406. After hours, or when the County government is closed, emergency Animal Control services can be accessed by calling 703-777-0445.

Loudoun County Animal Care and Control is located at 39820 Charles Town Pike, Waterford, VA 20197. Department information, including hours of operation and updates on inclement weather closings, can be found at www.loudoun.gov/animals.