A not-for-profit organisation run by a husband and wife team has set itself the huge task of equipping every fire engine in the UK with pet oxygen masks. And if successful, the initiative will help to save the lives of hundreds of animals each year.
Avon Fire & Rescue is the first service to trial the use of three specially designed masks in Weston-super-Mare, which have been supplied by Brian Lockyer and his wife Lynn Carberry from Smokey Paws.
Brian and Lynn are full time directors of a PLC, but their concern for pet welfare has resulted in them donating their free time to the worthy cause of equipping the Fire Service with specially designed oxygen masks.
After delivering the first set of masks to Avon Fire & Rescue, Brian explained to Pet Trade Xtra how the idea behind Smokey Paws came about.
"Having a dog, Lynn and I got talking one night about what would we do if there was a fire in the house," said Brian.
"We found a moving story on the internet from America about how many dogs, cats and rabbits had been saved from smoke inhalation by using pet oxygen masks that had been donated to the USA Fire Service.
"We contacted a number of UK fire stations only to find that they did not carry them. From that moment Smokey Paws was born because we felt we had to do something.
Where do get your pet oxygen masks?
We have to import them currently from the USA. However, we are looking for a manufacturer in the UK.
How many Fire Services have taken your masks?
Our aim is to have one set on every fire engine – there are just under 2,000 trucks in service. We had them tested and checked by the Fire Service, and now they are approved Weston-super-Mare received the first set last week. People can nominate a fire station on our website www.smokeypaws.co.uk. Newcastle is the next station.
What's been the response like from the Fire Service industry?
The Fire Service have welcomed the masks with open arms, stating they are a fantastic addition to the kit they carry. Weston-super-Mare station rescued nine dogs and one cat last year and they said that normally they have to try to use human masks that do not work well on pets. These masks will be vital to them.
How can the pet industry get behind this initiative?
It's estimated that 46% of households in the UK have pets, and there were 41,800 reported house fires in 2014. We hope the pet industry plays an essential part in spreading the word that Smokey Paws is trying to make sure all our pets have the best chance of survival in a fire. We need the pet industry to sponsor us in different ways, from simply contacting us at info@smokeypaws.co.uk to be sent a poster to put up in their stores. Other ways people can help are: cash donations via the website; talks to schools and arranging local fundraisers, like cake stands, bring your pet to school days etc. Dog walkers can buy and wear our T-shirts. Shops can contact us to be sent collection boxes to sit near the till in their stores, or they may have their own ideas. But please do not do nothing.
How many people are involved in the running of the organisation?
At the moment there is Lynn and I and we have a part-time helper. We are hoping to find a campaign manager soon who will start our street fundraising program.
Are you all volunteers?
Yes, we are a not-for-profit organization.
Do you attend events to raise awareness and raise money?
Yes, and we would love to hear from your readers if they have or know of events that they would like us to attend. We have to watch every penny, as we would rather give a set of pets oxygen masks to the fire service.
Is there evidence that these masks have saved lives already?
Yes, across the USA the masks have saved thousands of pets' lives. Our website covers two moving stories where pets have been saved.
Is it your goal that every fire engine in the country has these masks?
Yes, and then we need to look at other first responders. The RSPCA go out to horrific scenes – for instance, dogs struggling in water. Basically, if there is a situation where a pet suffers from breathing problems, a pet oxygen mask needs to be right there.
View of a firefighter
Jon Brown, station manager at Weston-Super-Mare, said: "In the event of a fire in the home families with animals are always concerned about how their pets will get out of the property. Firefighters often have to enter premises to search for missing animals which may have taken in smoke.
"We can be asked to search a smoke-filled house for an animal and when we find it, it may be unconscious and not breathing. In some cases pets are can be affected by smoke much quicker than humans.
"This new equipment means we have special masks to use on dogs and cats which may need oxygen. A few minutes can be the difference between life and death so the sooner we can give oxygen the better and this equipment allows us to do this."
