71 Dogs Safely Evacuated from C.A.R.L. Facility More Than a Day After Santa Paula Explosion

All 71 dogs trapped at the Canine Adoption and Rescue League, C.A.R.L facility in Santa Paula following an explosion that released hazardous gas into the air have been removed from the property.

The dogs became trapped after the surrounding area was evacuated. The people working at C.A.R.L were evacuated but authorities did not give them an opportunity to get their dogs. A day and a half after the explosion authorities made an exception, to get the dogs out of the toxic smoke.

The majority of the dogs are in good condition. One dog, Brandi, had been removed from the shelter Tuesday night after a veterinarian did his preliminary check on the dogs and she showed signs of respiratory distress due to the chemical exposure.

The veterinarian at Ohana Pet Hospital checked the 12 dogs being boarded at the facility. She said all the dogs were in good condition, a few suffered from minor eye irritation and respiratory irritation.

All the dogs are being seen by local veterinarians and will be spending the night at the Balcom Canyon Pet Lodge in Somis and the Ohana Pet Hospital in Ventura.

A veterinarian and a couple of volunteers were allowed into the C.A.R.L. facility to check on the dogs and provide them with food and water Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Authorities allowed 12 dogs to be removed from the facility just after noon Wednesday. These are dogs that were being boarded at the facility while their families were away. The remaining canines are rescue dogs. They were evacuated just a few hours later.

Mandatory evacuations still remain in effect for areas 1/2 mile from 815 Mission Rock Road.

C.A.R.L. has provided the following information on how to donate to the organization:

“Here are a few things the C.A.R.L dogs may need in the next few days. Brandi will have a vet bill we will need to pay. You can help Brandi by going to www.carldogs.org and click on the donate bu tton. (Note that it is for Brandi!) Thank you! Also, to help clean the dogs, keep the humans safe while doing so, and clean the premises, this is just a rough list until we hear from Poison Control: Heavy Duty Plastic/Rubber gloves, Disposable face masks, Dawn and Palmolive, Large Black Trash Bags, Fleece Blankets, Bleach, Canned Dog Food. You can text Lynne (Ventura area) 805-665-7887 or Tara (Oxnard area) 909-289-6565 for drop off, or at Ventura Pet Barn at 3203 E. Main Street. Cross street is Lang. (just let them know its for CARL.) Thank you for your continued support everyone! “

[Nov 18, 2014 – 4:38] Ventura’s Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) are facing an uphill battle after law enforcement authorities denied organization volunteers access to rescue dogs in care, following a Santa Paula explosion that released chemicals into the air and saw mandatory evacuations.

“We have people and horse trailers and dog crates waiting at the Briggs Road off ramp to evacuate our dogs and we are not being allowed to go in and get them,” said the non-profit organization.

The entire C.A.R.L. staff was evacuated from the facility that houses 71 dogs following the blast.

Slideshow: 71 Dogs Safely Evacuated from C.A.R.L. Facility