/PRNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association's program manager for Animal Emergency Services has deployed to Haiti to assist in an international effort to help animals affected by the earthquake. Tracy Reis, an expert responder who has participated in the rescue and sheltering of more than 12,000 animals, will arrive in Port-au-Prince Thursday as part of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, which is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Reis will join ARCH team members in the Dominican Republic and Haiti to begin implementing a feeding program for the community dogs and to assist with immediate veterinary aid to animals in Haiti. That effort will be conducted in cooperation with the Haitian government and, in particular, with the Ministry of Environment.
"We had not considered including animals in the plans we're working up now, but after meeting the ARCH team, we can see that it would be good to do so," said Jean Marie Claude Germain, the Haitian Minister of Environment. "In addition to preventing deforestation and protecting our water reserves, we are also discussing the need for a vaccination program in order to prevent the spread of diseases amongst the animal populations."
ARCH received an official request from the government of Haiti (made to WSPA on Jan. 21) asking for immediate assistance and that human resources be deployed to help with the emergency relief operation "as soon as possible."
Efforts by American Humane include:
-- Deploying Tracy Reis, program manager for American Humane's Animal
Emergency Services, to join relief efforts in Haiti, at the urgent
request of ARCH's lead agencies. Reis will arrive in Port-au-Prince on
Thursday, Jan. 28.
-- As the coalition's U.S.-based resource unit leader, American Humane
has responsibility for identifying volunteers from each organization
in the coalition and gathering skill and resource information on each
of them, in order to send the most highly effective teams to Haiti for
animal response.
-- American Humane was the first professional animal welfare organization
to join the coalition, has donated an initial $25,000 to help fund the
coalition's efforts, and expects to provide additional funding to this
response.
-- American Humane's Red Star Animal Emergency Services(TM) volunteers
are preparing for deployment to Haiti by updating their vaccinations
and receiving other medical assessments to ensure that they are fully
prepared to respond.
-- American Humane has notified more than 200 trained and FEMA-certified
animal rescue responders on its response roster. A smaller subset of
highly qualified responders will be hand-picked and may join teams on
the ground in Haiti, once long-term mission objectives are determined.
ARCH's activities to date include:
-- ARCH team members arrived in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 23 and spent the
day meeting with governmental authorities and local animal welfare
agencies.
-- ARCH members on the ground have begun assessing the state of health,
well-being and needs of the animals.
-- ARCH members expect to begin missions focused on vaccinating street
dogs and assisting with the care of livestock.
-- More than $150,000 has been raised to support the work of the
coalition, including the funding donated by American Humane and other
animal welfare groups that have joined the coalition.
-- A vehicle has been purchased and outfitted as a mobile veterinary unit
to support the response effort.
Many challenges face the team in Haiti:
-- According to a veterinarian who lives and works in Port-au-Prince, the
walls around many of the yards have fallen, and dogs that usually
return to their owners' homes are now displaced.
-- A rough estimate, according to the veterinarian, is that about 150,000
dogs live in the Port-au-Prince area, many of which are now wandering
the streets.
-- He also confirmed there was a substantial population of livestock in
the areas affected; most of them housed in "backyard" farms.
-- A lack of security has hindered some efforts to aid animals.
-- Securing a suitable site for food, water, medical supplies, etc., for
animals may take time while the needs of human consumables are
addressed first.
Statistics and Information:
-- About 150,000 dogs live in the Port-au-Prince area.
-- An estimated 600,000 head of cattle, believed to be mainly in rural
areas.
-- Livestock includes goats, chickens, swine, donkeys, horses and mules.
(FAOSTAT, © FAO Statistics Division 2010, 21 January 2010)
"Many partners in the coalition, and those of us who were aiding animals after Katrina, are well aware that the issues the Haitian people and animals face will be long term," said Debrah Schnackenberg, vice president of American Humane's Animal Protection Division and director of its Animal Emergency Services program. "It is our hope that the experience we all gained after Katrina, and the partnerships we have been building since then, will be demonstrated in the number of animals' lives we save and the Haitian families we help in the coming weeks and months."
American Humane, in addition to more than a dozen of the world's leading animal protection agencies, brings extensive experience in handling and rescuing animals after disasters. Animal rescue teams on the ground in Haiti are prepared to provide everything from direct rescue and veterinary care for injured animals to longer-term vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of disease, such as rabies and leptospirosis. For information on what leptospirosis is and how it affects animals, go to http://ahavod.com/watch_video.php?v=ce973dde9dcae75.
People who want to support these vital efforts and help other animals in disasters can donate at www.americanhumane.org/aes-donate. For more information, and to read our frequently updated blog on our efforts to help in Haiti, please visit www.americanhumane.org/haiti.
Animal welfare organizations formed the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) to 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 the Protection of Animals (WSPA), American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society, RSPCA (UK), In Defense of Animals, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Antigua & 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, and Animal Medical Care Foundation (AMCF).
American Humane will be actively updating its website and social networks to inform people on the status of the coalition and how to be of help. Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane. The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.
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Showing posts with label haiti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label haiti. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Canine Disaster Search Team Finds Three Children Alive Under the Rubble
/PRNewswire/ -- A firefighter and his Search Dog located three girls trapped alive since Tuesday in the rubble of Haiti's devastating earthquake. Bill Monahan and his Border Collie, Hunter, were searching a neighborhood near the Presidential Palace, concentrating on a large bowl-shaped area of rubble which was all that remained of a 4-story building.
After criss-crossing the area, Hunter pin-pointed the survivors' scent under 4 feet of broken concrete and did a sustained "bark alert" to let Bill know where the victims were. Bill spoke with the survivors, then passed them bottles of water tied to the end of a stick. As they reached for the water one of the girls said, "Thank you." Highly trained rescue crews from California Task Force 2 pulled the girls from the wreckage and provided first aid.
Bill and Hunter were trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation -- the only non-profit in the nation that recruits rescued dogs, partners them with firefighters, and trains them to find survivors buried in the aftermath of disasters. The teams and their ongoing training are provided at no cost to Fire Departments throughout the country.
In his report this morning from Haiti, SDF Handler Bill Monahan stated, "It would have been a reward to find one person alive. Finding multiple survivors is a huge victory for everyone on the Task Force. It's a giant team effort. From the canines, to the logistics team, to communications, everyone is working at full capacity, using everything we've been trained to do to find survivors. It's an honor to be here."
At Search Dog Foundation headquarters in Ojai, CA, SDF Founder Wilma Melville received the news with quiet gratitude. "This moment is what SDF Search Teams train for -- week in and week out -- throughout their careers together. When one SDF team succeeds, ALL of our teams succeed. Our thoughts are with our teams in Haiti, who continue to comb the rubble into the night. Their perseverance, skill, and strength in the face of extreme challenges make us all proud, and give us hope."
Added SDF Executive Director Debra Tosch: "All our handlers are experts in reading their canines, pacing them throughout their shift to ensure the dogs are kept safe, healthy, happy and motivated. The canines are literally the Task Force's most precious tool in the hunt for survivors: their well-being is mission-critical."
Bill and Hunter continue to search, as do all seven SDF Search Teams on the ground in Haiti with California Task Force 2 and Florida Task Force 1. Follow their progress at www.SearchDogFoundation.org, twitter.com/searchrescuedog, facebook.com/NationalDisasterSearchDogFoundation.
About the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF)
SDF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen America's emergency response network by producing the most highly-trained canine-firefighter disaster search teams in the nation. SDF recruits rescued dogs and partners them with firefighters, providing the canines and the training at no cost to their departments. The organization receives no government funding and relies solely on support from individuals, private foundations and companies to produce these highly-skilled teams.
Since its founding in 1996, SDF has rescued hundreds of dogs, many on the brink of euthanasia. They have trained 105 Search Teams, 72 of which are currently active. SDF Teams have been deployed to 66 disasters including the World Trade Center attacks and Hurricane Katrina and state and local emergencies such as earthquakes, mudslides, building collapses, train derailments and missing person searches. Eight of SDF's teams are members of CA-TF2 and are ready at all times for immediate deployment overseas when called upon by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.
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After criss-crossing the area, Hunter pin-pointed the survivors' scent under 4 feet of broken concrete and did a sustained "bark alert" to let Bill know where the victims were. Bill spoke with the survivors, then passed them bottles of water tied to the end of a stick. As they reached for the water one of the girls said, "Thank you." Highly trained rescue crews from California Task Force 2 pulled the girls from the wreckage and provided first aid.
Bill and Hunter were trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation -- the only non-profit in the nation that recruits rescued dogs, partners them with firefighters, and trains them to find survivors buried in the aftermath of disasters. The teams and their ongoing training are provided at no cost to Fire Departments throughout the country.
In his report this morning from Haiti, SDF Handler Bill Monahan stated, "It would have been a reward to find one person alive. Finding multiple survivors is a huge victory for everyone on the Task Force. It's a giant team effort. From the canines, to the logistics team, to communications, everyone is working at full capacity, using everything we've been trained to do to find survivors. It's an honor to be here."
At Search Dog Foundation headquarters in Ojai, CA, SDF Founder Wilma Melville received the news with quiet gratitude. "This moment is what SDF Search Teams train for -- week in and week out -- throughout their careers together. When one SDF team succeeds, ALL of our teams succeed. Our thoughts are with our teams in Haiti, who continue to comb the rubble into the night. Their perseverance, skill, and strength in the face of extreme challenges make us all proud, and give us hope."
Added SDF Executive Director Debra Tosch: "All our handlers are experts in reading their canines, pacing them throughout their shift to ensure the dogs are kept safe, healthy, happy and motivated. The canines are literally the Task Force's most precious tool in the hunt for survivors: their well-being is mission-critical."
Bill and Hunter continue to search, as do all seven SDF Search Teams on the ground in Haiti with California Task Force 2 and Florida Task Force 1. Follow their progress at www.SearchDogFoundation.org, twitter.com/searchrescuedog, facebook.com/NationalDisasterSearchDogFoundation.
About the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF)
SDF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen America's emergency response network by producing the most highly-trained canine-firefighter disaster search teams in the nation. SDF recruits rescued dogs and partners them with firefighters, providing the canines and the training at no cost to their departments. The organization receives no government funding and relies solely on support from individuals, private foundations and companies to produce these highly-skilled teams.
Since its founding in 1996, SDF has rescued hundreds of dogs, many on the brink of euthanasia. They have trained 105 Search Teams, 72 of which are currently active. SDF Teams have been deployed to 66 disasters including the World Trade Center attacks and Hurricane Katrina and state and local emergencies such as earthquakes, mudslides, building collapses, train derailments and missing person searches. Eight of SDF's teams are members of CA-TF2 and are ready at all times for immediate deployment overseas when called upon by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.
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Dallas-Based Philanthropist Teams Up with The Humane Society of the United States to Save Haitian Animals
/PRNewswire/ -- Vice Chairman and CEO of ATI Career Training, Arthur Benjamin, announced on Friday a $50,000 challenge grant through his animal rescue organization that will help bolster and bring awareness to the donations needed to aid domesticated animals affected by the Haitian disaster.
American Dog Rescue, a Dallas-based non-profit group, is supporting The Humane Society of the United States, by matching donor contributions dollar-for-dollar for up to half of the $100,000 initial goal.
"The devastation is so great as is the need that the animals - as in Katrina - are being lost to the greater needs," said Benjamin, who hopes to achieve $1 million in support.
"Someone needed to step forward, to 'prime the pump,' to help these animals and the people who love them -- the Haitian people," he said.
All funds raised will be made available to Humane Society International, the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which is currently in contact with veterinarians on the ground in Port-au-Prince to begin the process of assessment. A lead veterinarian with disaster certification has been dispatched to the Dominican Republic and will join a humanitarian convoy as soon as it is cleared to enter Haiti.
"We are grateful to American Dog Rescue for devoting funds to the crisis in Haiti," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "Whenever people are in this kind of distress, you can be sure that animals are suffering, too. We hope to be able to put boots on the ground to help the people and animals in their greatest time of need."
Any donations submitted to ADR, or its website, www.americandogrescue.org by clicking on the "Help The Animals of Haiti" button, can participate in the match.
"HSUS is a national and international established relief organization with the knowledge and know-how to deploy the funds raised to the greatest benefit of the animals as soon as logistics make this possible," said Benjamin. "They are working with partner groups in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in an effort assess the situation to determine the best way to begin saving lives and averting pain and suffering by our four-legged friends there."
Benjamin's efforts to build additional support for the Haitian animals is evidenced in his professional networking as a senior executive North Richland Hills-based ATI Career Training, a 24-campus, 16,000 student education company. Benjamin has reached out to other senior executives in the adult education and training community to campaign for additional aid.
"I wake up each morning excited in supporting two personal initiatives- adults seeking to improve their lives through education; and homeless animals that deserve a second chance at life," said Benjamin, who spends his time between Dallas, Boca Raton, and Salt Lake City operating a series of businesses and philanthropic efforts.
American Dog Rescue (www.americandogrescue.org) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. In instances of international tragedy, its support transcends national borders. American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling 801-944-3023.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization -- backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- on the web at www.humanesociety.org .
ATI Schools and Colleges (www.aticareertraining.edu) is a multi-campus institution offering specialized training in a variety of skilled career programs within such areas as automotive repair, business, electronics, English as a Second Language, fitness, health and wellness, HVAC/refrigeration, information technology and welding. ATI offers more than three decades of training experience and commitment to individuals aspiring to better their lives through career education.
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American Dog Rescue, a Dallas-based non-profit group, is supporting The Humane Society of the United States, by matching donor contributions dollar-for-dollar for up to half of the $100,000 initial goal.
"The devastation is so great as is the need that the animals - as in Katrina - are being lost to the greater needs," said Benjamin, who hopes to achieve $1 million in support.
"Someone needed to step forward, to 'prime the pump,' to help these animals and the people who love them -- the Haitian people," he said.
All funds raised will be made available to Humane Society International, the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which is currently in contact with veterinarians on the ground in Port-au-Prince to begin the process of assessment. A lead veterinarian with disaster certification has been dispatched to the Dominican Republic and will join a humanitarian convoy as soon as it is cleared to enter Haiti.
"We are grateful to American Dog Rescue for devoting funds to the crisis in Haiti," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "Whenever people are in this kind of distress, you can be sure that animals are suffering, too. We hope to be able to put boots on the ground to help the people and animals in their greatest time of need."
Any donations submitted to ADR, or its website, www.americandogrescue.org by clicking on the "Help The Animals of Haiti" button, can participate in the match.
"HSUS is a national and international established relief organization with the knowledge and know-how to deploy the funds raised to the greatest benefit of the animals as soon as logistics make this possible," said Benjamin. "They are working with partner groups in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in an effort assess the situation to determine the best way to begin saving lives and averting pain and suffering by our four-legged friends there."
Benjamin's efforts to build additional support for the Haitian animals is evidenced in his professional networking as a senior executive North Richland Hills-based ATI Career Training, a 24-campus, 16,000 student education company. Benjamin has reached out to other senior executives in the adult education and training community to campaign for additional aid.
"I wake up each morning excited in supporting two personal initiatives- adults seeking to improve their lives through education; and homeless animals that deserve a second chance at life," said Benjamin, who spends his time between Dallas, Boca Raton, and Salt Lake City operating a series of businesses and philanthropic efforts.
American Dog Rescue (www.americandogrescue.org) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. In instances of international tragedy, its support transcends national borders. American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling 801-944-3023.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization -- backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- on the web at www.humanesociety.org .
ATI Schools and Colleges (www.aticareertraining.edu) is a multi-campus institution offering specialized training in a variety of skilled career programs within such areas as automotive repair, business, electronics, English as a Second Language, fitness, health and wellness, HVAC/refrigeration, information technology and welding. ATI offers more than three decades of training experience and commitment to individuals aspiring to better their lives through career education.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
American Humane Association Supports Animal Relief Efforts in Haiti Through International Coalition
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association is part of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), an international group of professional animal welfare organizations committed to aiding animals in the earthquake-stricken region. American Humane is the first organization to join and commit significant resources to ARCH, which was created by the World Society for the Protection of Animals and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Currently, this international coalition is preparing a mobile animal clinic and staff to perform outreach work in Haiti, with training provided by ARCH. The coalition also will be assessing and assisting with the needs of animals belonging to people displaced by the disaster, as they move into temporary camps. Plans include providing food and clean water, as well as vaccinating companion animals against rabies.
As of today, coalition personnel are not on the ground in Haiti, due to restricted access in the country. The coalition expects to have professional animal rescue responders arrive in Haiti in the coming days to begin assessments of animal needs and provide initial assistance. Naturally, the situation may change quickly, and the coalition will adapt its plans and efforts to best meet the needs of the animals.
People who want to support these vital efforts and help other animals in disasters can donate at www.americanhumane.org/aes-donate.
American Humane will be actively updating its website and social networks to inform people on the status of the coalition and how they can help. Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane. The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.
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Currently, this international coalition is preparing a mobile animal clinic and staff to perform outreach work in Haiti, with training provided by ARCH. The coalition also will be assessing and assisting with the needs of animals belonging to people displaced by the disaster, as they move into temporary camps. Plans include providing food and clean water, as well as vaccinating companion animals against rabies.
As of today, coalition personnel are not on the ground in Haiti, due to restricted access in the country. The coalition expects to have professional animal rescue responders arrive in Haiti in the coming days to begin assessments of animal needs and provide initial assistance. Naturally, the situation may change quickly, and the coalition will adapt its plans and efforts to best meet the needs of the animals.
People who want to support these vital efforts and help other animals in disasters can donate at www.americanhumane.org/aes-donate.
American Humane will be actively updating its website and social networks to inform people on the status of the coalition and how they can help. Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane. The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.
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