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Livestock loss and assistance

Posted: Jun 29, 2012 4:59 PM by Callie Eike - KTVQ News
Updated: Jun 29, 2012 5:02 PM

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BILLINGS - Wildfires are devastating to homes and businesses, but many Montanans rely on the land the fire is burning to make a living. Land and Livestock owners are not only at risk of losing their homes, but losing everything they've worked so hard for - in that their livestock is their complete income.

Former President of the Montana Stock Growers Association Tom Hougen said "most ranchers have a water truck, they have at tractor, they have some way to fight fire, but when conditions were like the first of the week there wasn't any fighting. All you could do was move your livestock out of the way and just hope and pray that the fire went by you."

After a fire, it can take years to remold the burned up pastures and land as well as make it safe for crops to be planted and for animal consumption.

The community has banded together to provide space to keep the animals safe and get medical attention to those burned or injured. Unfortunately, many livestock and wild animals have perished in the fire.

The humane society and animal rights group PETA are helping bring food and water to the animals stranded by the Dahl fire while also lending a hand to relocate livestock out of the area.

If you are looking for somewhere to place your livestock to keep them safe during these fire conditions a non-profit organization in Belgrade, MT has room for up to 400 animals and has the transportation to pick up any type of animal all across the state. Whether they need a safe place to stay, medical attention or rehabilitation they are able to accommodate under 24-hour supervision. They also have a "lost and found" set-up for any animals that are missing for either people searching for their animals, or those animals that are found. Click here for their website.

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