NEGRIL, Jamaica—Global animal protection organization Humane World for Animals (formerly called Humane Society International) has launched an animal relief effort in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The organization’s disaster response team, including Canadian responders, is on the island country, bringing crucial supplies including animal food and medicines, pet carriers and equipment to support local shelters and communities struggling to care for their animals.
Gaia Bonini, director of international disaster response at Humane World for Animals, who is leading the deployment in Jamaica, said: “The level of destruction here is almost beyond comprehension, and we know we’re only seeing a glimpse of the scale so far. There is extensive damage with many buildings blown away altogether, downed trees line the roads, power poles are snapped in half and metal billboards are completely twisted. Communities here will be impacted by the devastation for a long time. There is precious little infrastructure or aid to help the untold number of animals who have also been impacted. Many of the hardest-hit areas remain inaccessible and out of contact; many animal shelters are cut off from food, power, clean water and basic supplies. We’re focused on helping animals in crisis and bringing comfort and reassurance to people in their hour of need, and we are honoured to be of service to the communities of Jamaica.”
Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane World for Animals Canada, is currently in Jamaica, working as part of the disaster response team. She stated: “Canada and Jamaica share a special relationship, and our deepest sympathies lie with the people of Jamaica as they work to repair their communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastation here is matched only by the courage and resilience we are witnessing as people come together to rebuild. We are so proud to lend our support by helping Jamaican organizations in providing care to the many animals affected by this tragedy. Helping animals in the aftermath of this hurricane involves immediate, urgent response, but also longer-term support to rebuild infrastructure and prevent the spread of animal and zoonotic disease.”
Humane World for Animals is assisting two animal shelters in the impacted regions, Negril Pup Rescue, which is caring for 90 animals, and Montego Bay Animal Haven, which is caring for 130 animals. Our team has provided initial food and supplies to both entities and is working on larger supply deliveries now. The team is also preparing for a mass veterinary clinic at Negril Pup Rescue, in which examinations, vaccinations and updated veterinary records will be provided for all the animals.
Humane World for Animals responds to disasters around the world to assist animals and their communities in need. Our team works to reduce animal suffering and foster community resilience before, during and after disasters. For example, we’ve stepped in to help animals affected by volcanic eruptions in Guatemala; earthquakes in Nepal, Ecuador, Mexico and Türkiye; deadly storms in India, Haiti, Costa Rica, South Africa, Mozambique and the United States; and wildfires in Australia and Chile; as well as helping refugees and their pets fleeing the war in Ukraine. In Canada and around the world, we also invest in long-term preparedness, mitigation and recovery to better empower communities before disasters strike.
Download photos and b-roll of our disaster response HERE.
Donate and find out more https://www.humaneworld.org/en/campaign/hurricane-melissa-response-help-animals
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