Town Hosts Seminar On Protecting Animals During Disaster

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town officials are participating in training to keep animals safe in the event of a natural disaster.

According to Southampton Town Code Compliance and Emergency Management Administrator Ryan Murphy, the town's department of public works is hosting a federal training program, "All Hazards Preparedness for Animals in Disasters."

Southampton Town officials worked with the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management to request the free federal training class. Representatives from the Southampton Town Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Southampton Town Police Department, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, the Hampton Classic, Suffolk County and other emergency response and animal welfare organizations are attending the two-day training, hosted in Hampton Bays.

“Southampton is the home to a variety of different pets and wild animals. We are also the
location of events involving animals like polo matches and the world famous Hampton Classic
Horse Show," Murphy said. "Anything that we can do to enhance our preparedness and foster partnerships with other organizations involved with these animals and events is beneficial to the Town.

The training class will "provide all participants with the ability to work through realistic scenarios, network together and obtain training certificates in the subject area," town officials said.

The department of public safety and emergency management consists of divisions including animal control, code enforcement, fire marshals and emergency management staff, all of whom respond to issues, complaints and emergencies involving animals throughout the town and some incorporated villages, Murphy said.

The animal control division also oversees some commercial animal business operating permits and conducts inspections at events where animals are present as part of the approved event activities, town officials said.

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