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The H.E.A.R.T.: Searching out animal abuse and responding to Disasters
The efforts of the Atlanta Humane Society are not limited by City, County or even State lines. We know that an animal's need for assistance shouldn't be limited by their origin. As such, we have invested in the care of animals in areas that don't readily provide animal welfare services.
In 2009, AHS began the Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team (H.E.A.R.T.) program and purchased a fifth wheel trailer to mobilize the team. The team responds to the rural areas of Georgia and beyond to remove animals from puppy mills, dog fighting rings, hoarders and disaster areas.
The H.E.A.R.T. consists of Atlanta Humane Society staff members that are specifically trained to respond to mass-animal cases. Their training is among the best in the region for these specific tasks and includes such courses as: All-Hazard Response, Evidence Collection, National Incident Management System, and Fractious Animal Handling courses. The Atlanta Humane Society also partners with Norred and Associates in our efforts to eliminate dog fighting. Along with their team of top-tier qualified investigators, we seek out cases and work with local authorities to remove dogs from these horrific operations.
H.E.A.R.T. members are efficient, well-trained professionals that work hard to make a dent into some of the worst acts of cruelty in the animal welfare profession. Atlanta Humane Society counts on the public's support to insure that that our H.E.A.R.T. keeps pounding. Please consider our sponsorship opportunities or making a donation our abuse and disaster efforts.
The H.E.A.R.T. must be activated by public organizations such as Department of Agriculture, Local Law Enforcement or Emergency Management Organizations.. At this time, due to liability restrictions, the H.E.A.R.T. is staffed solely by Atlanta Humane staff members. If you would like to report a puppy mill, dog fighting operation or other cruelty case, please email stopcruelty@atlantahumane.org. For any questions regarding the H.E.A.R.T., please contact our Director of Animal Welfare Initiatives and Outreach miguela@atlantahumane.org.