January 12 marked the one year anniversary of the deadly earthquake in Haiti. While recovery for humans has been slow and fraught with frustration due to delays in the distribution of aid, violence and the outbreak of cholera – major accomplishments have taken place for the welfare of the animals in the country.

Last week there was a flurry of press releases from the chief international animal welfare groups reporting how they had treated more than 50,000 animals in Haiti that were injured, sick or displaced by the earthquake. 

Their original goal was to help 14,000 dogs, cats, goats, cattle, horses and other animals.

This major achievement was due to extensive teamwork among the welfare organizations. 

Within days of the earthquake more than 20 of the world’s leading animal protection organizations came together to create the first-ever joint animal relief team called the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). 

Their goal was to bring aid to as many animals as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Members of ARCH include: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA) who led the mission, American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society, Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), In Defense of Animals, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, ASPCA, United Animal Nations, Kinship Circle, One Voice, Swiss Animal Protection, Palo Alto Humane Society, PETA, Finnish Federation for Animal Welfare Associations, Animal Medical Care Foundation, Petfinder.com Foundation, Mayhew International and Last Chance for Animals.  The Humane Society International was also present. 

ARCH worked closely with Haitian government officials and the United Nations.  The Animal Rescue Site and GreaterGood.org donated more than $245,000 so ARCH representatives could accomplish their work. 

ARCH reported the first donations arrived just a few days after the earthquake.

Here are the top achievements ARCH and other animal welfare agencies accomplished in the past 12 months:

• Launched Mobile Veterinary Clinics in the city and rural areas to treat and vaccinate animals that survived the earthquake.  Vaccinations against rabies and the treatment of parasites were crucial to prevent the spread of disease to animals and humans.
• Trained teams of local veterinarians and vet-technicians in modern veterinary practices to contain diseases in farm animals such as swine fever, disaster relief methods like field surgeries and spay/neuter techniques to stop pet overpopulation.
• Rebuilt Haiti’s National Veterinary Laboratory that was demolished in the earthquake.  The lab was the only facility in the country able to test for animal diseases.  ARCH is replacing all of the lab equipment and supplies, plus bringing in cold storage for vaccinations.
• Implemented Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics to address the street dog overpopulation and feral cat dilemma.
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• Initiated a public awareness campaign to Haitian citizens on how to properly care for pets.  A special campaign was aimed at children to teach them to treat animals kindly.
• Organized a team of Haitian veterinarians to carry-on the programs after ARCH leaves the country.  The group established the first-ever Animal Welfare Program.

Dr. Jean Francois Thomas, a veterinarian in Haiti for more than 20 years summed up the aftermath of the earthquake this way, “Jan. 12, 2010 was a very strong wake-up call for everybody in the country.  Now, we are more conscious of what we have to do, and we will never let ourselves be caught by surprise again.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR ANIMALS.

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