Animal Protection Organizations Pledge $1.1 Million For Long – term Animal Relief Efforts In Haiti

(Port–au–Prince, Haiti – March 3, 2010) – Today, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) announced a $1.1 million-dollar agreement with the Haitian government aimed at improving the well being of animals and repairing the country’s damaged veterinary capacity in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12. In Defense of Animals (IDA) is part of the coalition of 20 of the world’s leading animal protection organizations that form ARCH, which is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

“IDA is pleased to be able to help millions of animals in need, address animal and public health concerns and have a long-lasting impact for the animals and people of Haiti,” said Anand Ramanathan, IDA’s Executive Director.

The ambitious program of animal disaster relief work is aimed to help a countless number of animals and people recover from the disaster and build resilience to better protect communities against future disasters. This operation, to be implemented through an agreement and in close cooperation with the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Health, includes:

* An epidemiology network: Assist the government in protecting people and animals from disease outbreaks. A laboratory and lab workers will be provided to do things such as carry out targeted vaccination campaigns for Anthrax and Newcastle disease.

* Training of Haitian veterinarians and veterinary health workers; the goal is to train a minimum of 200 animal health workers to address current and future animal welfare problems.

* Restoration of the ‘cold chain’ to allow for effective vaccination campaigns: Haiti had embarked on several ambitious vaccination programs prior to the earthquake. It is now vital to rebuild the infrastructure to keep vaccinations cold up through delivery.

* Animal population studies: Haiti’s animal demographics have changed dramatically as the result of recent disasters. Accurate, updated survey data will inform coalition work.

The coalition also announced the arrival of a fully-equipped veterinary mobile clinic to Port-au-Prince. The donated unit will support ARCH’s animal rescue efforts that have already treated over 3,200 animals including dogs, cats, goats, cattle, horses, and other animals.

Coalition members arrived in Port-au-Prince days after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook the Haitian capital to provide immediate medical aid to the stricken animals.  Teams continue to treat injured and sick animals with medications including antibiotics and de-worming medicine, they are also providing anthrax and rabies vaccinations for thousands of animals. According to the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture, there are an estimated 5 million farmed animals in Haiti (not including birds), and approximately 500,000 dogs living in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

About ARCH (Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti)

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: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), In Defense of Animals (IDA), American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society,  ASPCA,  United Animal Nations,  Kinship Circle,  One Voice,  Swiss Animal Protection,  Palo Alto Humane Society (PAHS),  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),  Finnish Federation for Animal Welfare Associations, Animal Medical Care Foundation (AMCF), Petfinder.com Foundation, Mayhew International, and Last Chance for Animals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Anand Ramanathan, In Defense of Animals, 508-364-6802, anand@idausa.org

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