Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/horses-rescued-from-collapsed-barn-tornado/

Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee were hit by deadly tornadoes over the weekend. Over 70 people were killed in Kentucky alone.

Communities are coming together to dig through the rubble to find survivors after the powerful storms leveled homes and businesses.

Firefighters, EMS crews, veterinarians, and residents in St. Charles County, Missouri, rushed to help horses trapped in a collapsed barn.

“It was confirmed that 5 horses were in the barn and 4 of them were visible, alive and heavily trapped. Crews went to work carefully dissecting the barn with chainsaws and skidsteers,” posted New Melle Fire Protection District.

The rescue took five hours as crews combed through the debris. Five veterinarians were on scene to administer sedatives and examine the horses.

“One by one we were able to extricate all of the horses that were alive,” recalled rescuers.

Sadly, one horse died when the barn collapsed, and another passed away after being rescued.

Mid-Rivers Equine Centre worked alongside veterinarians from Homestead Veterinary Hospital to create a makeshift emergency hospital, thanks to the lights provided by the fire departments, to care for the three surviving horses. They worked tirelessly through the night to monitor and treat the rescued horses.

“Events like this reminds us of the ‘why’. Why we chose a profession that comes with challenges, heartache, and triumphs that build unbreakable bonds formed by the love of horses,” wrote Mid-Rivers Equine Centre. “A community’s heart goes out to everyone involved. The horse community is a tight knit family and when one of us is hurting we all feel the pain.”

Homestead Veterinary Hospital commented, “The amount of support was truly incredible. Such a horrible night, but the emergency response was inspiring.”

It was definitely a team effort to save the horses and the fire department said, “It’s events like this that really show what our community is made of. Between our volunteer firefighters, all of career firefighters, local businesses and residents along with fire and Ems crews from all over we were able to mitigate the disaster. We want to thank everyone who assisted in rescue efforts.”

People across the impacted states are still assessing the damage and searching for survivors. Countless people and pets lost their homes and are in desperate need of help.

Greater Good Charities is already responding but we need your help. Donate here and help fund these desperately needed emergency relief efforts, providing cash grants, medication, food, and more to vulnerable people and pets who need it most. Rush your donation now to help victims of this unprecedented winter disaster.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog