Maui Humane Society Launches 24-Hour Animal Response Hotline

Residents of Maui now have a 24-Hour Animal Response hotline to call when they see domestic animals, livestock or horses in need of help. Organization leaders say the Maui Humane Society is launching this new service in response to the number of calls it receives for animal emergencies from the community.

“Last year, we responded to an average of 294 calls from the public each month, 41 of which were calls from residents reporting animals that required emergency care, or were aggressive, incapacitated or needed to be seized during our open hours,” said Jerleen Bryant, Chief Executive Officer of Maui Humane Society in a press release.

“We continuously receive messages from residents about animal emergencies after hours so implementing the 24-Hour Animal Response service is critical. It will allow us to respond and assist the public and animals in a timely manner around the clock.” said Bryant.

Organization representatives say residents are encouraged to call the 24-Hour Animal Response hotline if they witness aggressive, trapped, injured or loose animals (with or without collars) or to report suspicion of neglected or abused animals. Signs of a neglected and or abused animal are no food, shelter or water, coat is missing hair or severely matted, ribs or other bones are showing through the fur, the animal lives in feces, it has open sores or has broken bones.

Humane Enforcement Officers responding to calls are trained and certified to determine when violations of humane laws occur, handle injured animals, administer drugs to alleviate pain from injury and seize animals when necessary to secure the safety of both residents and animals.

Organization leaders say all Humane Enforcement Officers at Maui Humane Society go through an extensive and ongoing training program.

According to the organization the, “Maui Humane Society puts every effort toward finding owners of the lost and injured animals that are picked up.” If no owner is found, once the animal has healed from their injuries, they are placed up for adoption or transferred to another shelter or rescue – (many of which are on the mainland) that can help them find new homes.

The 24-Hour Animal Response hotline is not for reporting stray chickens, wild or game animals, pigs, deer or birds unless residents feel their safety is at risk.

To connect with the 24-Hour Animal Response hotline, residents should call (808) 877-3680 extension 211.

The Maui Humane Society launches 24-Hour Animal Response program. Photo credit: Maui Humane Society.

The Maui Humane Society launches 24-Hour Animal Response program. Photo credit: Maui Humane Society.

The Maui Humane Society launches 24-Hour Animal Response program. Photo credit: Maui Humane Society.

The Maui Humane Society launches 24-Hour Animal Response program. Photo credit: Maui Humane Society.

The Maui Humane Society launches 24-Hour Animal Response program. Photo credit: Maui Humane Society.