Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund launched to help animals impacted by Bench Fire

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A coalition of animal welfare groups and veterinarians has launched the Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund to support animals impacted by the Bench Fire. The campaign aims to raise $15,000 to provide feed, veterinary supplies and recovery resources for livestock and companion animals.

The Bench Fire has destroyed an estimated 40,000 acres of grazing land across the Warm Springs area. Organizers say the loss of forage creates immediate and long-term challenges for horses, cattle and wildlife as the region prepares for winter.

The fundraising effort began after community members sought to help a horse named Feather (pictured), who suffered burn injuries in the wildfire. Feather's owner requested that support be directed toward the entire community rather than just one animal. Cyndi Davis, director of three Sisters Equine Refuge, helped organize the relief coalition.

“Feather's story opened our eyes to a much bigger need,” Davis said. “His owner felt strongly that any support should benefit the broader community. As we learned more about the scale of the loss, we realized this effort needed to focus on helping as many animals and families as possible.”

The $15,000 target will fund the purchase and transportation of hay, grain, supplements and salt blocks. It will also support emergency animal care supplies for displaced companion animals and habitat restoration for wildlife.

A growing coalition of organizations has joined the effort, including:

• 3 Sisters Equine Refuge
• Central Oregon Equine Rescue
• Equine Community Resources
• Fences for Fido
• Four Roots Ranch
• Happy Trails Horse Rescue
• Harmony Farm Sanctuary
• HeartSpace Horse Sanctuary
• Lark Ranch Rescue and Rehabilitation
• Mustangs to the Rescue
• Safe Acres Animal Sanctuary
• Rags to Rescue Sanctuary
• Dr. Cierra Buer and veterinary partners

The following community partners are also assisting with collection, donation, and distribution efforts:

• Bend Equine has agreed to serve as a donation drop point in Bend – their address is:
  19121 Couch Market Rd
• Oregon Feed & Irrigation is accepting donations for grain, supplements, salt licks, and other animal-care supplies in Redmond – their address is:
  2215 NW 6th St
• Rags to Rescue Sanctuary will serve as a donation drop point in Sisters – their address is:
  67905 Cloverdale Road

In addition, CAMP (Companion Animal Medical Project) of Bend is collecting food and supplies for cats and dogs affected by the fire.

Davis emphasized that the recovery process will extend beyond the immediate fire suppression. “Wildfires leave lasting impacts long after the flames are extinguished,” Davis said. “The loss of grazing land, habitat and resources will be felt for many months. This is an opportunity for people throughout Central Oregon and beyond to come together and help ensure that animals and the people who care for them have the support they need during recovery.”

Community members can contribute to the relief effort through the campaign's online fundraiser or by dropping off supplies at participating locations. Distribution of resources will continue as the region prepares for the winter months.

Fundraiser Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/warm-springs-animal-relief-fund