Since last year’s Camelid Community, the National Lama Intervention & Rescue Coordination Council (IRC Council) produced its first educational package, “Educational Plan for Animal Control Authorities”, which was distributed to camelid organizations at the beginning of 2008. The plan contains suggested materials to reproduce for animal control and animal welfare officials as well as recommendations on reaching them with specific training sessions. Additional modules are planned, and the council determined new and prospective owners were the next audience in greatest need of camelid information, especially those not in contact with local camelid associations. Now that Camelid Community has created a basic care brochure to reach that same audience, the council plans to work with Camelid Community on a plan to distribute and utilize that brochure and other camelid care information.

 As the result of a suggestion at Camelid Community 2007, Halter Donation Stations were set up at alpaca and llama shows, conferences and other gatherings across the country to gather new and slightly used halters and leads for use in camelid rescue efforts. To date more than 500 pieces of llama and alpaca tack have been collected and forwarded to groups and individuals most in need. Many were utilized this year in regions affected by wildfires and floods, and others remain with the council’s regional coordinators for use in future rescue situations. Donation stations continue to be set up at camelid events, and the greatest need currently is for halters in larger sizes.