VERACRUZ, Mexico — In response to devastating floods that have impacted five states across Mexico, leading animal protection organization Humane World for Animals (formerly called Humane Society International) has deployed its disaster response team to help animals and communities in the regions of Poza Rica and Álamo in the state of Veracruz. The disaster has resulted in more than 70 human fatalities with dozens still missing, displaced thousands of people from their homes and impacted thousands of animals across the region.
Felipe Márquez Muñoz, disaster response program manager for Latin America at Humane World for Animals, reported: “The scenes in the state of Veracruz have been heartbreaking — entire neighborhoods submerged, with animals struggling to survive. We’ve seen cows stranded on rooftops and dogs coated in oil after the floods. So many animals have been left without food, clean water or shelter. It really captures just how devastating these floods have been for both people and animals.”
Gaia Bonini, program director of international response added, “After the water receded, homes, streets and entire communities are left coated in inches of contaminated mud. Unowned animals are foraging for food in this muck. This not only affects their health but exposes them to diseases like leptospirosis which can spread between animals and people. Caring for these animals isn’t just about compassion, it’s essential for the health and safety of the whole community.”
In its response, Humane World for Animals mobilized a team of veterinarians and disaster management experts to assess needs in temporary shelters housing both humans and their animals and to provide veterinary medical care and food for animals in affected communities.
“After a disaster, people lose so much but their bond with their animals gives them hope. By providing food and veterinary care, we’re helping protect that bond and easing their burden in a really difficult time,” Márquez Muñoz added. Through partnerships with local allies, Humane World for Animals is currently evaluating the damage in other states affected by the recent heavy rains, with the goal of identifying and addressing the most urgent needs.
Humane World for Animals responds to disasters around the world to assist animals and communities in need. In June this year, the team deployed to Oaxaca, Mexico to help animals and people impacted by Hurricane Erick; in 2023 and 2024 Humane World for Animals assisted in Mexico’s central Guerrero State after Hurricanes Otis and John. Globally, the team has 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. The organization also invests in long-term preparedness, mitigation and recovery to better equip and empower communities before disasters strike.
