Strongest Atlantic Hurricane in history tears through Caribbean threatening millions of animals in its path

Hurricane Irma is battering Caribbean nations as it makes its way toward the US mainland. Not since Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the Philippines in 2013 has the world seen a storm with sustained winds of this speed.

International charity, World Animal Protection is deploying our global teams to provide emergency treatment for the animals and the people who rely on them.

In disasters, animals experience stress, get injured or fall ill. As we have seen in the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, animals suffer shock and injuries from flying debris, illnesses brought on by inhaling water, and exposure to disease.

Steven Clegg, International Response Manager, at World Animal Protection says: 

“Initial reports of damage in places like Barbuda are staggering, this is a storm unlike virtually no other. While to date the human death toll is lower than expected, we expect animals to need medical treatment and shelter.

“We are very concerned for the animals who are often forgotten victims of disasters and our teams are on the way to protect them.”

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda described the devastation as “near total” and estimated upward of 95% of the structures on the island are damaged or destroyed. A second hurricane, Hurricane Jose is on course to follow in Irma’s deadly path and could divert emergency response. “We are determined to help the animals and will get there as soon as we possibly can,” added Clegg.

World Animal Protection teams in the Caribbean are in touch with local governments and local veterinarians and are on standby to:

·         provide immediate assistance to animals on the ground injured from the hurricane and meet basic needs for survival. This could include veterinary care, shelter and feed.

·         provide emergency vet kit items which will include dressings and treatment for wounded animals, treatment of diarrhoea, pneumonia and other potential post flood diseases.

·         assess the wider and longer term needs for the animals in partnership with the governments of the affected states.

While disaster response rightly prioritises people’s immediate needs, the long-term recovery from disasters is inextricably linked with the well-being of their animals. Communities and people affected by the floods across the Caribbean depend on livestock to make ends meet and as the recovery process begins, saving animals will provide stability for their future.

ENDS

Notes to editors

·         For more information, photos and videos or to arrange an interview please contact Jonaid Jilani on +44 (0)20 7239 0673 or email jonaidjilani@worldanimalprotection.org.

·         Emergency Vet Kit items for this work are focused on wound dressings and treatment for wounded animals, treatment of  diarrhea, pneumonia and other potential post flood disease. Within the kits will be the following, though not limited to this list: Cephalexin; Deworming: Albendazole; Deworming: Ivermectin; Enrofloxacin; Multivitamin: injection; Oxytetracycline; Sulpha trimethoprim; Wound spray. Both pet and livestock feed will be included in the emergency vet kits but quantity and ratio is TBD.

·         About 1 billion of the world’s poorest people rely on livestock and other animals for food, transport and their livelihoods. Pets are beloved family members and provide valued companionship.

·         World Animal Protection has been working actively with governments, communities and individuals in disaster management since 1964. Out of 250 disaster responses across 50 years, we have provided aid to over 7 million animals.

·         World Animal Protection promotes preparedness on the part of animal owners right up to national governments. We work with governments such as Mexico, Costa Rica and India to ensure animals are incorporated into national and local disaster management plans. We are here to support governments in safeguarding its animals and the communities that depend on them from future disasters.

Steven Clegg, International Response Manager, at World Animal Protection says:  “Initial reports of damage in places like Barbuda are staggering, this is a storm unlike virtually no other. While to date the human death toll is lower than expected, we expect animals to need medical treatment and shelter. “We are very concerned for the animals who are often forgotten victims of disasters and our teams are on the way to protect them.