HAITI EMERGENCY RELIEF RESPONSE
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation has left many thousands dead, and millions struggling to survive. International aid has been
slow to deliver, fuelling anger and desperation for those that have survived. But what about the nations animal population?
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the
Protection of Animals (WSPA) have headed up a coalition of groups to address the needs of animals in Haiti. There is an estimated five million livestock, a large stray
dog population, countless companion animals and a diverse collection of native and exotic wildlife all adversely affected by the earthquake. "This is a massive
challenge and animal non-profits need to cooperate as much as possible," says Ian Robinson, IFAW's emergency relief director. "We're already concerned about a
possible outbreak of rabies, leptospirosis, or another zoonotic disease. There's a lot to do. More than we can do alone." Teams have been assembling in the
Dominican Republic as both IFAW and WSPA have been stocking a mobile clinic with vaccines, antibiotics, bandages, food, and other supplies in anticipation of bringing direct
aid to animals. "We're not certain exactly what we'll be doing, when we'll start, or what challenges we'll face," says Robinson. "But we
know a few things: we're prepared, we've set up a system to work together with other groups, and, given the scale of this disaster, we know we'll be there a long
time." IFAW Team Begins Move into Haiti
"Among the collapsed building we spotted several dogs and one cat all looking for food, for
comfort. They all look pretty undernourished, many were exhibiting signs of disease or injury. Many were traumatized and moved away from us, but when we could the vets provided
initial care," says IFAW rescue worker Michael Booth.
"Walking among the wreckage and misery that is Port-au-Prince is nothing one can get used to. An
entire country is in pain, it's visible and palpable everywhere you go. Thanks to our supporters, we are here, now, to lend a hand, to assist both humans and animals and
bring relief to Haiti." 
While SAFE has limited financial resources it has donated $5000 to IFAW to be used towards the international animal rescue operation.
| | TAKE ACTION The people and animals of Haiti need
our help now. Please give generously to both by donating to IFAW and Red Cross, or your preferred aid agencies.
DONATE NOWInternational Fund for
Animal Welfare (IFAW) Click here to
donate.
International Red Cross Click here to donate.
LATEST NEWS
No end to the
destruction4 Feb - The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, or ARCH, which now has 19 member organizations and includes Best Friends, has been on the
ground assessing and helping the animals affected by the recent earthquake. More... 27 Jan - On the second day of operation in Haiti, Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti members traveled South of Port-au-
Prince to the towns of Leogane and Jacmel.
More...
Help for animals arrives in Haiti 26 Jan - The ARCH team is meeting with officials from the Haitian government
and United Nations, to define the country's most pressing animal-related problems... More... Vets join Haiti animal relief coalition
25 Jan - The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Veterinary Medical Foundation have joined a coalition of other animal health
and welfare groups... More... IFAW saving animals in Haiti24 Jan -
IFAW is setting up mobile clinics to bring aid to an estimated five million head of livestock and countless animals. More...
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