ASPCA News Alert

Crisis in Haiti: How the ASPCA Is Helping

Members of the ARCH team are currently working to help Haiti's animal population.
Photo Credit: WSPA-IFAW Tomas Stargardter

With hearts and minds focused squarely on the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, the ASPCA extends its full support to those organizations providing humanitarian relief in the ravaged island nation. Soon, the animal victims of this disaster will need help, too—that’s why the ASPCA has joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH).

ARCH was created to address the needs of animals in Haiti in this time of crisis. The coalition is headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and in addition to the ASPCA, consists of a number of animal welfare groups including American Humane, Best Friends, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.

The ASPCA has joined ARCH with the belief that partnering across organizations is the most effective way to address the serious and enormous problems facing animals in Haiti. There are an estimated 5 million head of livestock in the country (mostly goats), a large stray dog population, and an untold number of companion animals and native wildlife all adversely affected by the earthquake.

Currently, a team of experts in animal emergency response is staging in the Dominican Republic waiting to get into Haiti to begin work. IFAW and WSPA have also begun to stock a mobile clinic with vaccines, antibiotics, bandages, food and other supplies in anticipation of bringing direct aid to animals.

The ASPCA has committed to providing logistical support to the disaster responders from the U.S. In addition, the ASPCA stands ready to deploy highly skilled and specially trained members of our own Field Investigations and Response Team to the area.

As part of ARCH, the ASPCA urges you to donate directly towards the animal welfare Haitian relief efforts by visiting IFAW or WSPA. If you would like to contribute to these efforts, please donate here:
- IFAW
- WSPA

Please note: The ASPCA is no longer accepting donations to our Haiti fund. Please donate directly to IFAW or WSPA.

Animal Relief Efforts in Haiti: Field Report

1/29/10

Jeff Eyre, the Northeast Director of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, is currently on the ground in Haiti, assisting with animal relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the region on January 12. The ASPCA is a member of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), which has deployed a team of experts to bring direct aid to the animals affected by the crisis. With limited communication in and out of the area, the following is the first in a series of field reports from Jeff on the frontlines.

Arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and met with local ARCH member Sodo Prieca. They have a base camp set up within the embassy compound. Security is tight with both local state and federal presence. This compound is patrolled by U.N. troops.

We were able to secure a third vehicle through IFAW—in a three-vehicle convoy, re-checking specific areas for any recurring issues. We then split into two patrols. Our team then proceeded to the American Embassy for a meeting.

After this meeting, we proceeded to the U.N. logistics base and made a supply pick-up.

Community is strong and accepting our presence with our local partners, showing the awareness and empathy needed for an integration of animal and humane needs.

Saw five cows, four goats, chickens—who also come to meals with us—a couple of pigs and some street dogs—average condition. Will check in again…

Animal Relief Efforts in Haiti: Field Report #2

2/1/10

Jeff Eyre, the Northeast Director of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, is currently on the ground in Haiti, assisting with animal relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the region on January 12. The ASPCA is a member of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), which has deployed a team of experts to bring direct aid to the animals affected by the crisis. With limited communication in and out of the area, the following is the second in a series of field reports from Jeff on the frontlines.

Day Two:

Morning meeting was conducted with on-ground members of ARCH, and we learned some of the challenges and issues facing animal welfare here. Two teams were formed and deployed to the city to check those areas where assessments indicated there are animals in need.

Vaccinated and checked 29 dogs and five cats. One dog had his lower right leg missing from a fresh injury, which we treated, and then released the dog to his owner.

We finished up and returned to the street with our tents—we even made a shower out of PVC pipe and a Coke bottle. Tomorrow we’ll be returning to the city for further welfare check-ups.

Day Three:

Today our teams went into several communities and vaccinated 44 dogs, 13 cats and seven pigs. We also made arrangements to vaccinate and check animals in two other tent cities. We have revived our request to check the equine center. Pics to follow…

Check out our exclusive slideshow of photos from the animal rescue efforts in Haiti.

Animal Relief Efforts in Haiti: Field Report #3

2/2/10

Jeff Eyre, the Northeast Director of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, is currently on the ground in Haiti, assisting with animal relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the region on January 12. The ASPCA is a member of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), which has deployed a team of experts to bring direct aid to the animals affected by the crisis. With limited communication in and out of the area, the following is the third in a series of field reports from Jeff on the frontlines.

Day Four:

Lassie: Lassie was brought to us to look at and as we were checking I noticed an imbedded collar, which I cut out of her neck. After further medical checks, Doctor Thomas, the Haitian Deputy Minister of Environment, who was with our team for the day, performed field surgery to remove the maggots and sew her neck wound. Three people assisted on the procedure: vet tech Connie of Defenders of Animals, Dick Green of IFAW and Doctor Thomas’s assistant.

Puppy in a wall: There were three puppies found with a very undernourished momma. The puppies were living in the broken wall and the one woke up for an exam.

Photos of the events described above can be seen in the slideshow below.

Animal Relief Efforts in Haiti: Field Report #4

2/3/10

Jeff Eyre, the Northeast Director of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, is currently on the ground in Haiti, assisting with animal relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the region on January 12. The ASPCA is a member of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), which has deployed a team of experts to bring direct aid to the animals affected by the crisis. With limited communication in and out of the area, the following is the fourth in a series of field reports from Jeff on the frontlines.

Day Five:

Today we went back into the city and stopped at an area to treat local dogs and cats. A woman who was by her house said that we were the first people to offer any help or stop to ask if they were all right. We then moved into a more devastated area and again set up and treated dogs and cats.

After this we drove to the Bolivian army base where they have requested us to check the dogs that are there. We estimated there were ten dogs and one possibly with puppies. The army offered to feed us and use their personal facilities. The team will return tomorrow to complete the assignment.

We then returned to our tent cities area and set up again and treated and performed wellness checks on dogs and cats. Today there were forty eight dogs and eighteen cats. One dog was treated and is a possible candidate for surgery for a tumor. We submitted an on scene photo for veterinarian review.

There is a red alert for a possible earth quake until Sunday and rain and flood warnings until Thursday. There is little left of buildings and what shelter there is will not sustain any further weather extremes. It is estimated another 100.000 people will be displaced if this weather comes. I am supposed to rotate out in the early am.