PETS in East Hampshire can breathe a little easier after Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service took delivery of a number of specially designed oxygen masks for animals rescued from fires.

Four sets of three masks, which were provided by the not-for-profit organisation Smokey Paws with funds donated by Denplan, have now been distributed to each of the county’s animal rescue specialists.

Jim Green, an animal rescue specialist, said: “In 2013-14, our animal rescue specialists attended 40 fires. With around 60 per cent of households having pets, these masks can mean the difference between life and death for the cats and dogs we rescue.

“Animal rescue specialists attend every animal-related incident in Hampshire and these masks will have an immediate positive impact.”

Brian Lockyer, from Smokey Paws, said: “We believe it is likely that hundreds of pets suffer from smoke inhalation across the UK every year. Pet oxygen masks significantly increase survival rates, as the human oxygen masks are ineffective on most pets.

“Smokey Paws’ mission is to raise enough money through public donations to equip every first responder in the UK with these lifesaving masks. We believe every pet deserves the same chance of survival as other family members do.”