The devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 12, is tragic. Our hearts go out to everyone, from humans to animals. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The news shows reports of thousands who have perished, many still trapped in the rubble and hundreds of thousands who are without food, shelter, medical care and other basic necessities. There is government and relief organizations going in to provide much needed aid to Haiti, all of which are possible through the many monetary donations they are receiving currently.
When people suffer from such horrific devastation, so do animals. There are organizations that will be going in to provide animal relief; they will need medicine, food and other supplies. According to consumersearch.com, "So far, animal relief organizations like the Humane Society and the ASPCA are not making large appeals for Haiti's animal population. As with Hurricane Katrina, it may be a few days before animals' agencies can start rescue operations and get personnel and supplies into the area. The International Fund for Animal Welfare is on alert, noting that humanitarian efforts need to be well underway before animal rescue efforts can begin in earnest." Animal relief efforts will be difficult as there are no animal shelters or veterinary schools in the country. If you would like to support animal disaster relief, here are a few links to organizations that will respond when they are allowed to go in.
World Society for the Protection of Animals
American Veterinary Medical Foundation
International Fund for Animal Welfare
American Humane
Humane Society of the United States
