One of the few images of animals in post-earthquake Haiti.
Photo credit to Adrian Wyld AP Photo/The Canadian Press
As work continues in Haiti, an international coalition of animal rescue groups are prepared to set up operations to help animals who have been injured or abandoned as a result of the earthquake and aftershocks. Because we know that where humans suffer, so do animals, several animal welfare groups have formed the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). They are prepared and ready to go.
There is one major obstacle: at this writing, no animal rescue organization has been allowed to enter Haiti. And no date certain has been provided for such deployment.
This got me to thinking. Long and hard as I searched (literally hundreds of post-earthquake photos), I can find almost no images of animals in Haiti since the earthquake occurred. The above picture shows a few street dogs roaming the area. But no farm animals. No wildlife. Nothing. Where could they be?
Hopefully, as work continues with the human population, ARCH and other organizations devoted to helping animals can get in to assess the situation and provide whatever help is needed. And why not? Lending aid to both people and animals is certainly not a mutually exclusive task.
Until that time, for more information, or to donate toward the effort, check out the ASPCA website. As always, use due diligence when making a donation to any organization. Be certain your money is going where you want it to go.
Remember that none of us are immune to a disaster. Isn't it time to develop a safety plan for your own family and pets?
8 comments:
We're all packed with carry ons behind the door. We're ready to evacuate due to the storms in the burn area. My point? You've got a point. You never know when disaster will strike. Be prepared.
Twink!
I have been wondering about the same. I suspect it will not be great for the first who arrive to help...
I was wondering the same thing, I really hope they are alright.
How strange that they won't let the rescue organizations in to help them, poor animals.
Animals can sense disasters coming long before people, lets hope they found somewhere safe to go.
Lynne
I hadn't thought about that, but you're right. We're not given any images of animals or family pets on the news programs. The Haitian people are doing so poorly, one can only imagine how the animals are getting along. Hopefully, some groups will get in there to assess and help with relief and, unfortunately, clean-up.
Hopefully,enough help is on the way for both people and pets! Your idea of a disaster plan for pets is a good one. I worry more about what would happen to Lady if I were hospitalized for a long time--or disabled and couldn't walk her.
I only hope at least some of the aid reaches the people and animals who so desperately need it. Corruption is rife in Haiti and the news reports make it obvious that a lot of the aid has not yet reached the right places.
I missed this post earlier and am glad I caught it today. Best Friends offers a course for rescuing animals in disaster situations and I would love to take part but unfortunately with a full time job it's not easy to get enough time off. Maybe one day.
Thanks for all the great posts, Pat and keeping us informed.
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