Haiti Relief Effort Includes Care for Companion Animals and Livestock

The tragedy in Haiti has left many of us wondering how to best help. The human tragedy is over whelming and I am sure many of us wonder where our money and efforts are best placed. I am fortunate to be part of an international organization, Rotary, and can give to the project, Shelter Box, which provides shelter and necessities to ten people with each of their efficiently packaged boxes.

As an animal advocate, I also realize that there is a huge catastrophe affecting Haiti’s wild and domestic animals. The health of the islands animal population can be closely linked with the well being of the humans as well. Haiti, already an impoverished country with many zoonotic diseases, is at risk of epidemics of these diseases ( zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be spread from animal to human and vice versa). Rabies, leptospirosis, and tuberculosis are just a few of the diseases that may spread more readily. Also the suffering of the livestock and domestic animals that may not have food or clean water is a huge concern.

There are a number of well respected aide organizations that are preparing or already have began to move forward to assist. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) reports that the International Fund for Animal Welfare already has staffers in Haiti, aiding in vaccination of live stock and some companion animal care. Also the World Society for the Protection of Animals plans to have representatives in the field as does the American Humane Association. Henry Schein, Inc has proposed to donate a million dollars in medical supplies to the relief effort. American Dog Rescue in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States are also pledging funds for animal relief.. Be sure to remember these groups when considering funds that you wish to donate to the relief effort. Keeping the animals of Haiti healthy and safe benefits the animals and ecosystem as well as the humans of that nation.