Rescue Efforts for Pets In Haiti

The earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010 destroyed large portions of this Island country.

The entire country is now in complete shambles without adequate food, water, shelter nor medical supplies. The communication systems are barely working and ongoing rescue efforts to save those who are buried under rubble is grim. Security measures are still being put in place in order to protect those who are arriving to aid the victims of this current disaster.

Many animal lovers who do not understand the dire circumstances that currently exist in Haiti may be criticizing animal welfare groups for not being quicker to respond to the animals who are also presently suffering in Haiti. While it may seem that nothing is being done to help these unfortunate pets, there is actually a relief effort underway. Specially trained 'sniffer' dogs have been recruited from around the globe, to aid in rescuing both people and their pets.

One of the first countries to respond was the USA, sending two search and rescue teams consisting of 72 members and their dogs. Other organizations in America that train search and rescue dogs have also sent six other dog and handler teams to Haiti.

The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations also dispatched their own team consisting of 6 search and rescue handlers and their dogs: a German Shepherd, 2 Golden Retrievers and 3 Labradors.

Search and rescue dog teams from France, Peru, China, Taiwan, Mexico and Britain have also arrived in Haiti ready to get started with their rescue attempts.

As of now, access to Haiti remains limited and will continue to be limited until the human relief effort is well established and maintained. The necessity of doing so should be obvious and understandable to all. While there is much concern for the welfare of the animals suffering from this disaster, some type of order must be restored before any efforts for animal rescue can hope to be met with any kind of lasting success.

That does not mean that nothing is being done to help the pets of Haiti at the moment. The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) has been formed which consists of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, the International Fund of Animal Welfare and the American Humane Society all working in conjunction with as many other animal welfare groups as possible.

ARCH has already begun setting up a mobile unit that was donated to them by the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, and this group is taking donations from the international public to help purchase medical supplies and food to help meet the needs of the many displaced animals in Haiti. This coalition has been working furiously so that as soon as they are given the go ahead, they can move the mobile unit into Haiti and begin their rescue efforts.

Those wishing to help can donate money to help this animal organization to purchase badly needed supplies. Having supplies such as pet food, veterinary medicine, and crates, ready and available when the relief efforts begin, will allow ARCH to concentrate solely on the needs of each individual animal once they are allowed access around the country.

Whilst they are awaiting the start of these efforts ARCH is encouraging veterinarians and other animal welfare groups to join with them and commit to the effort of saving the pets of Haiti.

Canada, Venezuela, Spain, Germany and Iceland, amongst other countries, have all promised to send their own search and rescue dog teams, food and supplies.

If you would like to help the people and pets of Haiti you can send donations via your cell phone to The American Red Cross. Simply text the word 'HAITI' to 90999 to donate $10, or you can make a donation of any amount over the telephone by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575.


Photo Credit:United Nations Development Programme