Some people jokingly call student housing pig pens, but at the University Farm, where there is the real deal, the overworked and overlooked volunteers are far from laughing.
The university recently allowed its farm to be used as a temporary animal shelter for those displaced by the fires, but the job isn't always easy, said Jill Simon, a volunteer with the North Valley Animal Disaster Group.
The farm can hold about 100 animals at any given time, but animals are sent back home periodically, and the farm reached its capacity about two days ago, she said.
The farm currently has about 75 horses, as well as sheep, goats, chicken, pigs and llamas-most of which come from the Concow area.
They have been taking in animals since about June 11, but because the animal care is not a paid operation, it is understaffed and has been for some time, Simon said.
It is strictly volunteer work, and everyone is very tired, she said. Many people have to budget their time between their day jobs and the work.
"None of us are getting paid to do this job, so we try to cover each other," Simon said.
People are encouraged to volunteer, but special training in animal handling and basic fire-fighting techniques is required to ensure personal safety.
Ultimately, the job is worth it because everyone is very passionate about helping out, Simon said. Volunteers from Sacramento, Yuba City and other areas have come to help and others, such as a few veterinarians, sometimes stay for the better part of the day.
Having the University Farm has been very helpful though, she said.
"(The University) has been very, very, very gracious about opening up their Chico State farm," she said.
To have your animal moved, dial the hotline at 530-895-0000.
For more information about the disaster group, visit http://www.animaldisaster.org/.
For directions to the University Farm, visit http://www.csuchicoag.org/Agricultural_Teaching_and_Research_Center/Tour_of_the_Farm/Farm_Map.pdf
Evan Burt can be reached at eburt@theorion.com
Be the first to comment on this article!