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Rescue
team bound for Afghanistan
An
animal disaster relief team from the World Society for the Protection
of Animals (WSPA) is currently en route to Kabul in a mercy
mission for the animal victims of the conflict in Afghanistan.
This initial assessment team is comprised of Gerardo Huertas
and John Walsh, two of WSPA’s most experienced staff in
dealing with animals in disasters.
The team is now in Kabul where one of its first priorities will
be to address the problems of the animals at Kabul Zoo, as well
as undertaking an assessment of the wider problems facing animals
in Afghanistan. The team is equipped to handle animal first
aid, which could include treating wounds and starving and dehydrated
animals.
A second WSPA team is due to follow the assessment team to Kabul
next week. This team will comprise three WSPA staff, including
a vet with extensive experience of treating animals in the aftermath
of disasters. Depending on the magnitude of the problem there
may be further visits by subsequent teams.
WSPA has already established a regular supply of food to all
the animals in Kabul Zoo. However as an expert in the field
of disaster relief WSPA is aware that the animal suffering in
Afghanistan is likely to extend outside the zoo to livestock,
draught animals and stray dogs.
John Walsh, WSPA international projects direct, said, “The
current crisis in Afghanistan has become a terrible tragedy
for the people of the region and their animals. In situations
like,WPSA is committed to doing all it can to alleviate their
suffering now”.
One of the world’s largest animal protection charities,
with over 400 member societies in more than 90 counties, WSPA
is the only animal welfare organisation to have consultative
status at the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
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