RSPCA: Help for animals arrives in Haiti

Thursday, 28 January 2010 12:00 AM

A coalition of animal protection groups, which includes the RSPCA, has arrived in Haiti to aid animals left stricken by the devastating earthquake.

The team - known collectively as the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) - was formed specifically to deal with the Haiti crisis.

"The recent earthquake in Haiti has caused untold devastation and suffering. Humanitarian aid is starting to reach the victims and must be given priority but undoubtedly animals have been massively affected too," said Coralie Farren, RSPCA International aid officer.

"We are glad that, alongside our partners in ARCH, the RSPCA can work towards making a small but significant contribution to the welfare of animals that are suffering as a result of this terrible tragedy."

The most pressing animal welfare problems will be identified by the ARCH team following meetings with officials from the Haitian government as well as international agencies such as the United Nations. Wide-ranging, long-term plans will also be drawn up, including options for creating and improving infrastructure for veterinary care, a large-scale vaccination program and animal population control services.

The Haitian Minister for the Environment, Jean Marie Claude Germain, told ARCH that they had not considered including animals in the recovery plans, but after meeting the team, they can see it is a necessary part of the relief effort.

Most members of the ARCH team have returned to Santo Domingo, in order to assemble supplies for the next emergency relief exercise. The coalition team will also continue its assessment in the areas beyond Port-au-Prince, implementing immediate veterinary aid to animals in cooperation with the Haitian government.

The first shipment of medicine and equipment needed to treat animals is expected to arrive in Port au Prince from the Dominican Republic today.

The coalition is led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). "The condition of these animals before the earthquake was not good, so we can't just simply put things back as they were," said Ian Robinson, IFAW's Director of Emergency Relief. "We need to deliver immediate relief to animals and to develop long-term plans for a lasting good."

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Images are available. Please contact the press office on: 0300 123 0244.

Notes for editors:

The RSPCA is a member of the coalition and has provided financial support towards the rescue and relief effort, but we do not have any staff on the ground in Haiti.

About ARCH Coalition

The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in partnership with over a dozen of the world's leading animal protection organizations.

Animal welfare organizations formed the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) so that we could work together to bring aid to as many animals, and in as short a time, as possible. At present, ARCH partners include: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (England and Wales) International Fund for Animal Welfare, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society, In Defense of Animals, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, United Animal Nations, Kinship Circle, One Voice, Swiss Animal Protection and Petfinder.com Foundation. ARCH members urge other animal welfare groups to join in the group efforts.

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) saves animals in crisis around the world. With headquarters in the United States and representation in 15 countries, IFAW and its 1.2 million supporters work passionately to prevent animal suffering.

About WSPA

The World Society for the Protection of Animals is the world's largest alliance of animal welfare organisations. With consultative status at the United Nations and a network of over a thousand member societies in 156 countries in the world, including the RSPCA, we strive to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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