Rescue Ranch continues to support Western North Carolina with animal care in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene

STATESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2025) – In collaboration with many partners from the area and across the country, Rescue Ranch continues to care for animals in western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The nonprofit continues to serve to provide support where needed throughout the region.

To date, over 300,000 pounds of donated animal feed and water, and over 250 bales of hay have been delivered.

“Early on, collaborative efforts were made to help clear shelters in the affected areas and make room for lost/stray pets found who may still be reunited with their families,” said Krissie Newman, Rescue Ranch founder. “In addition to the hundreds of animals that were rescued by countless nonprofits around the region, Rescue Ranch continues to work diligently to provide long term support to the families with companion animals as well as farms with livestock who desperately need help rebuilding their pastures, barns and food supplies. At this stage of the Ranch’s outreach, we’re working really closely with 4 Hooves, Red Dog Farms, and Code 3 Associates.”

Rescue Ranch’s efforts began before a full assessment had been made of the impact of Helene, opening its Statesville facility as a base for the Animal Search and Rescue Training and Response (ASAR) and Code 3 Associates teams on September 28. Technical rescue teams from Michigan, Colorado, and Kansas staged at the facility during the first few days following the hurricane, and along with Newman, made trips into the impacted areas to rescue stranded animals, from horses to dogs and cats.

At the same time, Rescue Ranch, a Statesville-based nonprofit, collaborated with a network of animal rescue centers, humane shelters and local businesses to start a donation drive to help support the rescue efforts.

Rescue Ranch, in coordination with ASAR and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), routed donations of pet food, livestock grain, water, fencing supplies and hay throughout the affected area. Deliveries, large and small, have been made to Madison, Yancey, Avery, McDowell, Buncombe and Ashe counties in North Carolina and Grayson County, Virginia.

The ASAR team, along with several supporting groups, worked to rescue horses that were trapped and in need of food and water. In addition to relocating 15 of the 22 horses to a farm in Concord. The remaining seven were fed and watered in place until they could be returned home.

“We knew when we began our outreach, we’d be here to support Western North Carolina for the long haul,” said Newman. “Months later, Rescue Ranch, along with our partners, are committed to the long-term efforts that will be needed to support our community shelters and rescues. Disaster often brings people together, and as heartbreaking as the impacts of Helene have been, we hope our efforts will help make a difference and provide a sense of hope.”

Groups that have worked closely with Rescue Ranch in its post-Helene efforts include Red Dog Farm, Animal Rescue Network, Code 3 Associates, 4 Hooves Large Animal Services, Piedmont Animal Rescue, GL Horsemanship, SM Performance Horses, ASAR training and response, Asheville and Burke Human Societies, Eastern Equine & Associates, BellaVita Animal Rescue, Caring Hearts for Canine and the ASPCA.

Local businesses have also provided donations, including All Pets Considered, S&S Crane, Gildan, Parker Hannifin, Doosan/Bobcat, Chewy, Country Boy Landscaping, Tractor Supply, Bed, Bath and a Bone and MRO.

For more information or to make a donation to Rescue Ranch, visit rescueranch.com.