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LARGE ANIMALS
BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
All horse, donkey and mule owners in Broward County should register their horse and other large animals with Broward County's Large Animal Disaster Planning Committee (LADC).
The large animal registration is important because LADC will be able to plot all registered horses on a Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is a technology that is used to view and analyze data from a geographic perspective. This will allow LADC to better track its resources and efforts in the event of a disaster. It will also assist in returning lost animals to their owners after a hurricane or emergency situation.
To register, all horse, donkey and mule owners should visit www.broward.org/extension and click on the "Large Animal Hurricane Registration". Owners will then be required to create an account and enter vital description information for their animal. After the account has been established, owners will have the ability to update information and register new animals.
PLANNING FOR THE STORM
When possible, shelter large animals in a barn or shed. Do not leave them outdoors, where they may be injured by flying debris or flooding. If an indoor shelter is not available, keep animals on high ground to protect them from rising/flood waters.
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Assess the storm-worthiness of your stable or barn. Evaluate the sturdiness and wind resistance of your roof, walls, windows and doors. Assess how well your barn is tied into its foundation.
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Make whatever improvements you can to improve the sturdiness of the structure.
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Make sure fences are in good repair. The Extension Education Division recommends board fences nailed to the posts on the inside. When horses push or lean against this type of fence, the nails are pushed further into the post, further securing the rails. Barb wire fences can injure your horse. Chain link and horse wire fences can collect debris and fall down.
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Once you have assessed your property, create a written hurricane plan. Provide copies of the plan to individuals who will help you implement it. Post the plan in a prominent place in the barn. Develop a checklist to ensure that everything is done.
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Preparing for the Storm
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Remove all debris (tree limbs, lumber, fencing, etc.) from the area where animals will be kept. Since wind can carry debris long distances, it is suggested you work jointly with neighbors to remove as much debris as possible from surrounding property.
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If your barn is not strong and you lack appropriate pasturage, consider moving your animals(s) to a more secure facility. If this means evacuating out of the general area, plan early and leave early to ensure you reach your destination well before the storm.
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In a Category I or Category II storm, horses will be safer in a strong, secure barn or stable. In a Category III or Category IV storm, they may be safer outside provided:
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they have room to move (at least 1/4-1/2 acre per animal) |
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fences are strong and will not collect debris that will push them over |
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there are no overhead power lines that can come down into the pasture |
- Make sure you have sufficient hay, feed and water on hand for your animals for at least a week. Horses require 15-20 gallons of water per horse per day. If the electricity is off, your pump probably will not work. Consider investing in troughs that, when filled with water, will be too heavy to tip over.
- Store feed in waterproof containers. Use low grade hay. Hay bales should be covered with tarps and off the ground at least two feet to protect from flooding. Do not leave horses with grain (they may founder).
- Be sure your horse is wearing a leather halter. The halter makes it easier to catch your horse if it gets loose. A leather halter is more likely than a nylon halter to break loose if the horse gets caught on something.
- Bell boots can be used to protect your horses' legs.
- Identify your horse well - at least three forms of identification are recommended:
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spray paint your area code and telephone number on the side of the horse in a contrasting color. Use acrylic paint, which will wear off in 1-2 weeks. |
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attach a fetlock band or mare band to your horse with your name, address and telephone number in permanent ink. |
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place the horse's identification information on a waterproof luggage tag and braid it into the mane or tail, close to the base. |
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attach pertinent information to the halter. Secure tightly in a plastic bag and affix to the halter with packing tape. |
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if your horse is tattooed or has an electronic chip, be sure ownership information with the appropriate registry is up-to-date. |
- Have photographs of you with your animal to prove ownership. Photos should show any distinguishing animal markings. Keep photos in a safe, dry place and send one copy out of the area.
- Have a supply of commonly used medications and wound treatment supplies on hand in case it is necessary to perform basic first aid.
- As you leave the barn, turn off the electricity at the main switch.
- Web and Other Resources
- For additional information, visit www.broward.org/extension - Large Animal link. Photos of the identification methods are located on this site.
- To order a free videotape on strengthening your barn and developing a hurricane plan (prepared by Broward County Large Animal Disaster Committee), call the Broward County Extension Education Division at 954-370-3725. There is a nominal charge for non-Broward County residents.
Updated June 2008
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