| Support Us |
|
Help Humane Society International assist animals in disasters around the world. Donate now » |
In October 2007, ten days of torrential rains caused flooding and mudslides that devastated parts of Costa Rica, impacting both people and animals in 75 percent of the country. Many animals were injured, killed or abandoned by their owners.
Humane Society International (HSI) provided a grant to Asociacion Humanitaria Para La Proteccion Animal de Costa Rica (AHPPA) to help the local animal welfare organization provide food, medicine and shelter to animals affected by the disaster.
November 2, 2007
HSI Provides Grant to Help Flood Victims in Costa Rica
 |
| AHPPA-Costa Rica |
| Heavy rains poured down in Guanacaste. |
By Amy Thomas
On October 17, 2007, Costa Rica declared a national emergency after 10 days of torrential rains led to terrible flooding which affected 75 percent of the country. According to Guanacaste's TheBeachTimes.com, at least 18 people were confirmed dead as a result of flooding, mudslides and raging rivers.
Along with Costa Rican citizens, animals are suffering through the aftereffects of the relentless rain. Humane Society International (HSI) has provided a grant to the Asociacion Humanitaria Para La Proteccion Animal de Costa Rica (AHPPA), an HSI Animal Advocate, to support the local organization's efforts to aid animals caught in the floods.
The northwestern province of Guanacaste was one of the most heavily impacted regions. According to reports, more than 1,500 people sought refuge at shelters in Guanacaste alone, leaving hungry and injured pets and farm animals to roam the streets. Many animals were killed after being swept up by the overflowing Tempisque and Parrita Rivers.
AHPPA mobilized quickly in response to the disaster, sending veterinarian Alfono Cordoba and volunteers to Guanacaste on Monday, October 22 in a 4x4 loaded with medicine and pet food.
AHPPA’s Lilian Schnog said of efforts to aid the animals: "The response was fantastic. Monday until Friday we vaccinated, dewormed, treated and fed 450 animals. People were waiting in line for the vaccines. Everyone left with a bag of food for their pet. All the dogs left wagging their tails!"
 |
| AHPPA-Costa Rica |
| Vaccinating against disease. |
AHPPA kept lost animals in cages until they could be reunited with their owners. The rescue operation continued on Monday, October 29 as the truck, loaded with more medicine and food, moved into previously inaccessible areas in Guanacaste to help more owners and their animals. The dedicated members of AHPPA expect to be able to treat approximately 450 more animals this week. In addition to dogs and cats, cattle and other farm animals were vaccinated, dewormed and treated for injuries.
AHPPA will return to the province of Guanacaste in January 2008 to conduct a spay/neuter clinic to help prevent unwanted litters from being born.
HSI will continue to closely monitor the situation in Costa Rica.
Updated Feb. 2, 2009.
