WARSAW, Poland - The animal protection organization Humane World for Animals, formerly known as Humane Society International, recently made grants to assist five animal shelters in areas affected by the devastating flooding in 2024 in southwestern Poland. Thanks to the support, the groups running the shelters were able to rebuild damaged buildings, provide veterinary care, provide food, and improve infrastructure, among other things.
Last September, a massive flood caused widespread destruction. Thousands of people suffered. Animals, who—like humans—are always affected by such disasters, were also in a dire situation. Shelters were flooded, and the resulting floodwaters severely damaged their infrastructure. Thanks to the support of Humane World for Animals, they were able to help many animals in need. Among those who received life-saving help were not only dogs and cats, but also goats, pigs, and other species.
"We decided to help several centres in the flood-affected areas," explains Iga Głażewska-Bromant, Director of Humane World for Animals Poland. "Our support helped rebuild places where abandoned animals found shelter. We try to be present wherever animals also become victims of catastrophes and disasters. We helped in Türkiye after the earthquakes in 2023, and we have been to many other countries where major fires, floods and other incidents occurred, affecting both people and their animals. We have also helped animals affected by volcanic eruptions in Guatemala; earthquakes in Nepal, Ecuador, and Mexico; hurricanes, flash floods, and cyclones in India, Haiti, and Mozambique; and forest fires in Australia and Chile. In Poland, we have also supported refugees and their pets fleeing the war in Ukraine."
Financial assistance was received by, among others, the "Pod Psią Gwiazdą" Foundation in Kłodzko, whose shelter for rescued cats and dogs suffered critical damage by the water. Humane World for Animals provided financial support for its reconstruction. The Przystanek Przytulisko Association in Oława, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescuing homeless animals and finding them new homes, undertook work that enabled the construction of a shelter for its animals.
Another of the centres that received support was the Gruszętnik Foundation in Wrocław. It helps birds and farm animals. During the flood, its volunteers rescued domestic birds trapped in cages. Thanks to funding provided by Humane World for Animals, a new facility was adapted in order to provide animal care. The "Łapa" Foundation in Nysa, another grantee, received support to cover the costs of veterinary treatment, procedures, and the purchase of specialised equipment.
Representatives of the Łapa Foundation, say: "Immediately after the disaster struck, volunteers reached the flooded areas, evacuating animals from dangerous locations and providing them with temporary shelter. Many of these animals were exhausted, sick, or injured. Thanks to Humane World for Animals' support, it was possible to partially finance veterinary treatment, preventative care, and surgical procedures for the most vulnerable animals."
The "Mam Pomysł" Foundation in Świdnica was able to provide emergency veterinary care to rescued animals—including dogs evacuated from a neighbouring shelter—and purchase food for animals affected by the flood, as well as begin repairs to the shelter. The funds also covered the renovation of the veterinary clinic and the purchase of disinfectants, ensuring the shelter's safe and uninterrupted operation. At the same time, using its grant , the Foundation was able to deliver tons of food to the flooded areas. This food was distributed to animal owners to ensure their animals receive adequate nutrition during the crisis. The "Mam Pomysł" Foundation is also developing a future crisis response plan to streamline logistics and the process of assisting animals.
"In total, we donated PLN 155,000 to aid these five centres," adds Głażewska-Bromant. "Disasters spare no one – both people and animals suffer. Animals too often remain in the shadow of rescue operations; there is a lack of appropriate procedures, resources, and systemic solutions that address their needs in crises. Therefore, we plan to expand our disaster response efforts and strive to ensure that animal protection is permanently incorporated into procedures and regulations applicable to crises."