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?
