WSPA Responds to Typhoon Haiyan

WSPA Responds to Typhoon Haiyan

Whilst a state of calamity is declared by the Philippines government following Typhoon Haiyan, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)'s disaster response team have now arrived safe and well at their base in Cebu City. WSPA is the only animal welfare organisation to have a global, full-time disaster management team.

Working closely with disaster response trained veterinary practitioners, the team will also provide emergency care to those animals in need of urgent medical attention.

Bridget Vercoe, Country Director forWSPA New Zealand says:
"Our people on the ground say that the shocking number of human casualties looks likely to be reflected in a similar picture for their animals. With over a million farmers affected, we know that animals will urgently need help in the form of emergency food, water, shelter and vets for the injured.

"The scale of the destruction is unprecedented. By helping animals now, we can also help the people of the Philippines to recover in the long term. Long after the emergency aid has gone, these animals will be needed to rebuild the communities which depend on them for food, transport and livelihoods; as well as companionship.

"About one billion of the world's poorest people rely on livestock and other animals for transport, food and their livelihoods. This is why so many governments have been convinced to prepare plans and take action for animals as well as people, when disaster strikes."

ENDS

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