---

 ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Jan-2025/003q.jpg)

In Defense of Animals battled through downed power lines, rockslides, and fallen trees to aid animals, and is offering and seeking help for others. Photo: In Defense of Animals

 [ ANIMAL WATCH ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=361)

#  Heroic Animal Rescue Efforts Amid Palisades Fire

January 09 2025

Written by In Defense of Animals.

<a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_print"></a>[](https://www.addtoany.com/share)

ANIMAL WATCH - As the devastating Palisades Fire and others continue to ravage communities in Los Angeles, In Defense of Animals is taking decisive action to support animal rescuers and provide life-saving aid for animals affected by the crisis. Among the heroic responders is In Defense of Animals board member Sammy Zablen, who has been working tirelessly to evacuate animals from dangerous areas.

[WATCH VIDEO](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zk-GOcrpZ2o)

 [![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/Screenshot%202025-01-09%20at%202.40.31%20PM.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zk-GOcrpZ2o)

On January 8, Zablen responded to a plea from Philozoia animal rescue in Malibu’s Tuna Canyon area to evacuate two ponies from their fire-threatened property. What would normally be a 20-minute drive took over three hours due to extreme conditions, including rockslides, downed trees, and fire debris blocking the route.

![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Jan-2025/003q2.jpg)

Navigating a treacherous path that included cutting brush and driving on hiking trails, Zablen’s team encountered harrowing obstacles such as a burning power pole, destroyed homes, and vehicles engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, the team discovered the ponies’ corral broken and the animals missing. Despite an active fire and dangerous rockslides, the team searched the area for 30 minutes, leaving food, water, and dousing the roof with water to mitigate further damage.

The two ponies have now been recovered by Philozia, but two dogs remain missing and the rescue center burned down entirely. Earlier in the day, a pig and 38 dogs were successfully evacuated. Philozoia is seeking urgent foster care for several senior dogs.

![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Jan-2025/003q3.jpg)

In Defense of Animals is collaborating with multiple local rescuers and organizations. Advanced Fire Rescue and Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue were both vital in coordinating resources and gaining access to this dangerous area.

In Defense of Animals is offering emergency aid to animal rescuers and caregivers affected by the fires and providing free resources for temporary housing and care for wild and domestic animals.

![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Jan-2025/003q4.jpg)

“The devastation of these fires is unimaginable, and animals are often the most vulnerable victims,” said Marilyn Kroplick M.D., President of In Defense of Animals. “We are deeply grateful for the bravery of responders like Sammy Zablen and the other incredible organizations we are coordinating with to help on the ground. Together, we are making a difference for animals in crisis.”

In Defense of Animals urges anyone needing assistance with animal evacuations or free, temporary housing for wild or domestic animals to call Sammy Zablen at 310-869-2383.

Los Angelenos who can foster a senior dog are encouraged to apply at [www.philozoia.org/foster](https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.2cRbHfCSfKm-2Be0wnZjLiLMR-2BvJLMwX1M8YMjBwNl-2BZES1aVOdG-2BXf7p7MfJSkUeCV41r_cDTSRqLCxZT0Bd1UW3okikVTLtBjyJSGdLF1oeXWidCFl8ykNI6QtUvIIgnJryKQsYp7w8XiBM1MStwObT3Nt8o2MdtVIknT-2BfRC0jQ7wdm7YlAGwgUSdwSrYhwqvYgAUDizHvAbDF-2F-2FSA-2FXJ5UVNC9L24JvOmMJD5mS1X3gYq5HU0A8tj1Kqu-2Fie1i-2B-2FI9UMngiYwzSBT0vUwRV6pxh8ny2pRamqS-2F12ySAhFuZcLF0UYXR-2B6Ow55se8JwoSTRddKMggAVd2FZWpWO2nL8ZbhesV3xpzNVV4ZAnfmlUgDPxOxl3syOlH27WCcDy3WdMZ9VwPxdLPdQ2dxKw-2B8ulSRLCklcMFfu6zxJECWDjncPrMj2tMbxq4-2BvDcaJDwMA4).

In Defense of Animals is seeking donations which are critical to support these emergency efforts, providing resources such as veterinary supplies, food, water, and temporary shelter: [www.idausa.org/lafire](https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.2cRbHfCSfKm-2Be0wnZjLiLOHtqgu5Qsqon-2Fshz3SHOlwoik85pxuOwoE3W0JSqpuocA6K_cDTSRqLCxZT0Bd1UW3okikVTLtBjyJSGdLF1oeXWidCFl8ykNI6QtUvIIgnJryKQsYp7w8XiBM1MStwObT3Nt8o2MdtVIknT-2BfRC0jQ7wdm7YlAGwgUSdwSrYhwqvYgAUDizHvAbDF-2F-2FSA-2FXJ5UVNC9L24JvOmMJD5mS1X3gYq5HU0A8tj1Kqu-2Fie1i-2B-2FI9UMngiYwzSBT0vUwRV6pxh8n-2Bgs5IRm69yFMT7sTpLGMvHfZGnZcy4YyAQJII111tgK-2BLDtr4Q0yxOIyWYEAwb-2BriSC-2BVZrnGysuGx0jmEb2ysgjKezjSNu0jGYJhMs0tVdMp6v6wzoiZlAMO-2BMVixwIRf3UQ8Cnd4C9Gcim95D-2BtG7wor-2BXtUUoHlFNm38Pkz)

Donate [www.idausa.org/lafire](https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.2cRbHfCSfKm-2Be0wnZjLiLOHtqgu5Qsqon-2Fshz3SHOlwoik85pxuOwoE3W0JSqpuo_SKL_cDTSRqLCxZT0Bd1UW3okikVTLtBjyJSGdLF1oeXWidCFl8ykNI6QtUvIIgnJryKQsYp7w8XiBM1MStwObT3Nt8o2MdtVIknT-2BfRC0jQ7wdm7YlAGwgUSdwSrYhwqvYgAUDizHvAbDF-2F-2FSA-2FXJ5UVNC9L24JvOmMJD5mS1X3gYq5HU0A8tj1Kqu-2Fie1i-2B-2FI9UMngiYwzSBT0vUwRV6pxh8mWhsZVBSO3K43DTyuw2wqtVVaQUISnn1-2FCP1VLbRr0ihrdtEqBo0JNHt8769yZcJxQhxyWTswjpDHyCchrOw4g1O8gEXy9Th6ArcxBhvY47U0apXkkfQ0QryLn6dyEs-2FB062D2V-2B-2BnIBh2bK5naR40JCkzo1-2BwQVdtSf9nxdh3v)

Photos &amp; video: [https://bit.ly/IDAfiremediaLA](https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.XqyQPXdpgWEbdhO-2FkTA1H305P48ISVQ2y-2BfUdBMAPLYHlHGOpsnmZGnHf-2FnFrGLqeBsY_cDTSRqLCxZT0Bd1UW3okikVTLtBjyJSGdLF1oeXWidCFl8ykNI6QtUvIIgnJryKQsYp7w8XiBM1MStwObT3Nt8o2MdtVIknT-2BfRC0jQ7wdm7YlAGwgUSdwSrYhwqvYgAUDizHvAbDF-2F-2FSA-2FXJ5UVNC9L24JvOmMJD5mS1X3gYq5HU0A8tj1Kqu-2Fie1i-2B-2FI9UMngiYwzSBT0vUwRV6pxh8uzNIU6k0pMFcHLC-2Bzq7G9juJuTaZqax4-2BeqQYEPtMBzXtHSsTqI05ONHLZjLVpUYXemtdcksBU3GJ-2F2fditRMW4vWiDVJnUuhSmXHiftMAs1iLlMN866IOAWKcBR0yXWs3JHvf7kMF6mXYgWUQeXx3py1-2Ffj9yUCEVTupyOsk2N)

*(In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in California with over 250,000 supporters and a history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi since 1983. [www.idausa.org](https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.2cRbHfCSfKm-2Be0wnZjLiLF0YD3IPo3UByi8J531ySzk-3DpPt1_cDTSRqLCxZT0Bd1UW3okikVTLtBjyJSGdLF1oeXWidCFl8ykNI6QtUvIIgnJryKQsYp7w8XiBM1MStwObT3Nt8o2MdtVIknT-2BfRC0jQ7wdm7YlAGwgUSdwSrYhwqvYgAUDizHvAbDF-2F-2FSA-2FXJ5UVNC9L24JvOmMJD5mS1X3gYq5HU0A8tj1Kqu-2Fie1i-2B-2FI9UMngiYwzSBT0vUwRV6pxh8u-2FuI5pEHIuLiYFOGjH-2FAlOpRjJpwXliacDxwp2dCkIey9qZxVJFhOlNeCmhMyVtWVkHl0rMHW3NFJAoz-2BQ4PZoOvofTM9omexf-2BNqUMOMtLDOPrkPpa4V4QGWMOTim-2FDNXrCA2iMuedZRUFXz8HbLys9aYPl9L0Zdv9otdc7hjV))*

 [ ![save up to 4000 on used evs](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20ev%20ad2.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/107 "LA DWP | Save $4K, Green | Priority Ad")

 [ ![Donna Tryfman](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/ADS%20FOR%202026/Donna-Tryfman-Ad-Final-Complete-Border-White-Margin.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/98 "Donna Tryfman - HS1-1")

 [ ![LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20level%20pay%205-7-25.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/82 "LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)")

 [ ![David DeJute Campaign](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/ADS%20FOR%202026/DejuteAd.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/111 "David DeJute Campaign")

 [ ![Pay Water Bill Help](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20-%20cares-ad.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/97 "Home - LA DWP #2 (Pay Water Bill Help)")

 [ ![Anna Reitano Vertical R. Col](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/ADS%20FOR%202026/reitano%20vertical%20rework.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/112 "Anna Reitano Vertical R. Col")

 ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/banners/signup-for-cw.png)

## Get The News In Your Email Inbox Mondays &amp; Thursdays

 Website

 ---

##  Featured CityWatch Stories

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/1c/072d-1c016ddf.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33319:when-the-last-minute-power-play-failed-sacramento-finally-ran-out-of-time&catid=375)

### [When the Last-Minute Power Play Failed: Sacramento Finally Ran Out of Time](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33319:when-the-last-minute-power-play-failed-sacramento-finally-ran-out-of-time&catid=375)

MY THOUGHTS - Gavin Newsom came to the final days of his final regular legislative session with one more major problem…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/4d/073e-4dc54bff.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33336:may-day-international-workers-day-a-major-us-holiday-ignored-by-the-media&catid=398)

### [May Day/International Workers Day, a Major US Holiday Ignored By The Media](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33336:may-day-international-workers-day-a-major-us-holiday-ignored-by-the-media&catid=398)

PLANNING WATCH - Monday, September 7, 2026, was Labor Day, a holiday only celebrated in the United States and Canada as…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/4e/072i-4e4914dd.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33314:olympics-la28s-drip-drip-drip-tactics-leave-los-angeles-holding-the-bag&catid=312)

### [Olympics: LA28’s Drip‑Drip‑Drip Tactics Leave Los Angeles Holding the Bag](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33314:olympics-la28s-drip-drip-drip-tactics-leave-los-angeles-holding-the-bag&catid=312)

NICK'S VIEW - Wonderland Los Angeles, a global symbol of dreams, myths, and possibilities, will take center stage at th…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/e7/072b-e7b222d1.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33321:1-billion-later-congress-comes-knocking-los-angeles-homelessness-machine-faces-its-day-of-reckoning&catid=396)

### [$1 Billion Later, Congress Comes Knocking: Los Angeles’ Homelessness Machine Faces Its Day of Reckoning](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33321:1-billion-later-congress-comes-knocking-los-angeles-homelessness-machine-faces-its-day-of-reckoning&catid=396)

THE BOTTOM LINE - For years, Los Angeles taxpayers have been told the same thing about homelessness: Give us more money…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/09/073i-0998df2d.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33330:cd3-doesnt-need-another-promise-it-needs-a-councilmember-who-can-deliver&catid=401)

### [CD3 Doesn’t Need Another Promise It Needs a Councilmember Who Can Deliver](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33330:cd3-doesnt-need-another-promise-it-needs-a-councilmember-who-can-deliver&catid=401)

THE BOTTOM LINE - Los Angeles voters have heard the promises before: safer streets, cleaner neighborhoods, more housing…

---

##  [ ANIMAL WATCH ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Aug-2026/065r.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33225:the-44-000-dog-california-pays-more-for-service-animals-than-any-state&catid=361)### [The $44,000 Dog: California Pays More for Service Animals Than Any State](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33225:the-44-000-dog-california-pays-more-for-service-animals-than-any-state&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/July-2026/053c.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32984:girl-10-suffers-catastrophic-injuries-in-northern-california-dog-attack&catid=361)### [Girl, 10, Suffers Catastrophic Injuries In Northern California Dog Attack](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32984:girl-10-suffers-catastrophic-injuries-in-northern-california-dog-attack&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/051l.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32939:can-14-million-save-all-the-pit-bulls-and-other-animals-at-l-a-animal-services-shelters-under-best-friends-plan&catid=361)### [Can $14 Million Save All the Pit Bulls and Other Animals at L.A. Animal Services Shelters Under Best Friends’ Plan?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32939:can-14-million-save-all-the-pit-bulls-and-other-animals-at-l-a-animal-services-shelters-under-best-friends-plan&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/049e2.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32913:can-14-million-help-solve-las-animal-shelter-crisis-who-will-focus-on-public-safety-and-animal-control&catid=361)### [Can $14 Million Help Solve LA's Animal Shelter Crisis? Who Will Focus on Public Safety and Animal Control?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32913:can-14-million-help-solve-las-animal-shelter-crisis-who-will-focus-on-public-safety-and-animal-control&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/047a.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32879:whats-really-behind-the-animal-shelter-crisis&catid=361)### [What’s Really Behind the Animal Shelter Crisis?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32879:whats-really-behind-the-animal-shelter-crisis&catid=361)
<div data-id="1" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-emailform eb-1 eboxContentLocker"
	data-options='{"trigger":"onPageLoad","trigger_selector":"","delay":3000,"early_trigger":true,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":1,"reverse_scroll_close":true,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":10000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"slideInDown","animation_close":"fadeOutDown","animation_duration":400,"disable_page_scroll":true,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #1 - Global Email Signup Form","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog eb-formVer" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog1" aria-label="dialog1">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<form action="https://citywatchla.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=34d69f33624fd058ee9b56516&amp;id=4bfa422f51&amp;f_id=00d6c2e1f0" class="eb" method="post" id="mcform-1" name="mcform-1" target="_blank">
			<div class="eb-form-header"><p><img src="/images/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png" alt="be a city watcher" width="350" height="97" loading="lazy" data-path="local-images:/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png"></p>
<p>Sign up to receive our special e-news blasts on Monday and Thursday evenings!</p></div>
	
					<div class="eb-field-row">

			
			
			
			<input class="eb-input" type="email" name="EMAIL"  placeholder="Email address"  id="EMAIL" value="" required>

			
		</div>
										
	<div class="eb-footer">
    	<button class="eb-btn" type="submit" name="subscribe" style="background-color:rgba(93, 183, 93, 1);color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)">
    		Sign up    	</button>
    </div>
</form>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>
<div data-id="3" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-yesno eb-3 "
	data-options='{"trigger":"onScrollDepth","trigger_selector":"","delay":0,"early_trigger":false,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":2,"reverse_scroll_close":false,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":1000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"fadeInUp","animation_close":"fadeOut","animation_duration":300,"disable_page_scroll":false,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #3 - Yes \/ No Donation Popup Box","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog " role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog3" aria-label="dialog3">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<div class="ebox-yes-no">
	<div class="ebox-yn-text">
		
		
		<div class="ebox-yn-headline" style="font-size:22px;color:#888888">
			<p>If you only give once a month, would you consider giving to CityWatch?</p>
<p>Your support fuels our mission to promote and facilitate civic engagement and neighborhood empowerment, and to hold area government and its politicians accountable.</p>
<p>Would you like to help? Even if you can only give $5, it will make a difference.</p>		</div>
			</div>
	
	<div class="ebox-ys-buttons" style="font-size: 16px;">
		
<a
					data-ebox-prevent="0"
		data-ebox-cmd="close"
				target="_self"
		href="https://www.citywatchla.com/donate"
		rel="noopener"
	
	
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#2ec664;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Yes
	</a>
<a
	
	
			data-ebox-cmd="close"
		href="#"
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#ef2345;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Not Right Now
	</a>	</div>

	</div>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>