All Haiti, All the Time

That's what it's been in the newsroom since the quake on Tuesday. You can see all our coverage at MiamiHerald.com. It's personal for me because I'm involved with a family in Port-au-Prince: 10 people. I learned last night that no one is seriously injured but their home and everything they own is gone. They're on the street among the hundreds of thousands now homeless and hungry. PLEASE give what you can. Our website list dozens of legitimate aid agencies.

Here's an animal rescue effort (though few people can afford pets in Haiti, there are many, many strays that have to fight for survival in ordinary times). I know there will be criticism of this effort, while human beings are destitute and hungry, but it's still a worthy humanitarian gesture.

American Humane Association Supports Animal Relief Efforts in Haiti
Through International Coalition

American Humane First to Join This International Response Team

 

DENVER, Jan. 15, 2010 – 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.