animals in Haiti
My heart breaks every time the thought of Haiti even crosses my mind, let alone another individually tragic report crosses the newswire. So many vital humanitarian responses are in urgent need of support, and I did want to mention an important one being conducted by missionary friends from my college days at Moody Bible, Jarod Ebenhack and Matt McCormick.
But in the vein of not one sparrow, we also need to shed some light on the plight of Haitian animals in the aftermath of the earthquake. Please know that that a collaborative response is being coordinated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Society for the Protection of Animals, called the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti. Humane Society International and Best Friends are also participating in the collaboration. The following is from an IFAW update sent today:
Haiti has an estimated 5 million head of livestock, a large stray dog population, native wildlife, and, of course, an untold number of companion animals.
Our first priority will be to treat critically injured animals. We're also very concerned about the possible outbreak of rabies, leptospirosis, and other diseases that can pass from animals to humans, so we'll be vaccinating animals as quickly as possible. And we'll be distributing food, water, and basic medical care.
Please support the coalition's efforts if you can, which will deploy once the broader humanitarian and security response have a foothold, and which will require incredible hours of on-the-ground labor and coordination, logistical provisions and supplies for treating the animals. Many thanks go to Susan Schwarz for keeping us posted on the developing response to this overwhelming need which God's creatures are facing in Haiti.
Lord, please be intimately close with all who have been affected by the horrendous natural disaster in Haiti, both human and animal, and all who are urgently trying to help ... kyrie eleison.
(photo copyright Roberts Ratuts/123rf.com)
January 18, 2010
Reader Comments (2)
I really appreciate you posting this article, Ben. It's so wonderful that while it is ultimately important to save human lives, all living creatures need us to come to their rescue. I can't begin to imagine how much man and animal continues to suffer in the wake of the Haitian quake.
Thanks very much, Lee, I certainly echo those sentiments ... Ben