|
As you will no doubt be aware, thousands of people have died, as a result of the earthquake and many more will have been seriously injured. As humanitarian relief agencies from around the globe arrive in Haiti to help those in need of medical care, food, water & shelter, so animals there also need our help.
The IFAW & the WSPA have launched ARCH (the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti) and the Humane Society International, Best Friends, Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA and American Humane have all joined forces with ARCH to launch a co-ordinated animal relief response. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation also form a vital part of the coalition. You can find a list of charities involved in ARCH here
The IFAW's CEO, Fred O'Regan, made this initial assessment of the situation - for the purpose of speed, I quote from his email:
Our initial assessment is that it could be the worst natural disaster we've ever faced.
Haiti has an estimated 5 million head of livestock, a large stray dog population, native wildlife, and, of course, an untold number of companion animals.
Our first priority will be to treat critically injured animals. We're also very concerned about the possible outbreak of rabies, leptospirosis, and other diseases that can pass from animals to humans, so we'll be vaccinating animals as quickly as possible. And we'll be distributing food, water, and basic medical care.
...Once the human relief efforts have taken hold and security is in place - and depending on the needs we find on the ground - the team will deploy and begin their lifesaving work. We're not exactly certain of all the challenges we face, but with your help, we'll be prepared for anything.
Update from IFAW - 22 January
Representatives from the IFAW & the WSPA were due to meet with Haitian government personnel in Port-au-Prince last Saturday, 23 January, to discuss their plans for helping the animals in Haiti and their proposals for treating injured animals, providing them with food & water, and vaccinating them against deadly diseases, to help with animal & human wellbeing. With so much of the city destroyed, it is vital to ensure that animals are in the best health to reduce the risk of any diseases being transferred to humans and allay fears locals may have of animals being a danger in this respect. Many people will also need farm animals to help them earn a living.
Teams will be working out of a mobile unit provided by the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society - the unit will be shipped to the Sociedad Dominicana Para la Proteccion de Animales in the Dominican Republic before being driven to Haiti. The unit will be stocked with medicine, syringes, bandages, food & vaccines. Your help is needed to keep this stocked up.
| 
