Article from Union Sun & Journal, By Tracey Merrett:
         

Western New York Large Animal Rescue Team

Being Formed

For the over three thousand horse owners in Niagara County and numerous cow and other large animal owners, the call for help in getting an animal to its feet or in saving it from dangerous conditions has been in the hands of local volunteer fire companies who have worked bravely with no specialized equipment and when they may not be familiar with the animals and their behavior. This can put the firefighters and the animals at risk. But now, thanks to the efforts of Tom Pinkowski and his horse boarding and training center, the WNY Large Animal Rescue Team is being formed to respond to such emergencies. The announcement of the team formation is being made by WNY Horse Council Board Member Barbara Cunningham. Cunningham goes on to explain that a horse that is down and cannot stand is a horse in trouble. "Horses depend on their ability to stand – they cannot survive for prolonged periods off of their feet. Everybody remembers Barbaro who suffered many complications of his injury because he was unable to stand and walk well", she notes.

The WNY Large Animal Rescue Team will consist of trained volunteers who will man a rescue sling and a rescue glide or sled that will help get large animals to safety. The group is currently raising funds to buy the equipment which will be stored at Pinkowski’s Coomer Road barn which is centrally located in Niagara County.

"We will respond to anyone in need in the WNY area to help horses, cows, llamas, or other large animals. Many communities have this type of team in place to help – we have not had one in our community and as the horse and large animal populations continue to grow, so does the importance of having this kind of a team that is equipped to help", notes Pinkowski.

Monies are being raised for the equipment through "FURY’S FUND" which is named after Pinkowski’s lost mustang. "We couldn’t get him to his feet and help him stand for a few minutes despite the best efforts of all who tried to rescue him after he fell on hidden ice. If we had a sling, we may have been able to help him."

Cuningham and Pinkowski report that the kick off of fund raising for Fury’s Fund will take place during the Horse Expo on March 9 at the 4-H center in Lockport. There will be a display and an opportunity to get more information about the fund and the team at that time.

For those who would like to contribute to the fund, an account has been set up at Citizen’s Bank, 5793 South Transit Road, Lockport, NY 14094. Checks should be made payable to WNY Large Animal Rescue Team – Fury’s Fund. All donations will be used exclusively to purchase the sling and glide and to train volunteers.

According to Pinkowski, there will be no charge for the services of the Large Animal Rescue Team which will service Niagara County and surrounding communities. He went on to note, "As soon as enough money is raised, the team will purchase the equipment, complete training, and be ready to serve. There is no donation too small – every penny will help move us closer to having the team up and running for all of the large animal owners in our communities".