From Lima, they're now on their second rescue trip
On Wednesday August 15, 2007, an 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck Peru, killing at least 500 people, and leaving many injured and tens of thousands homeless.
With the epicenter just off the coast of Peru, the earthquake caused widespread devastation to two nearby cities Pisco and Ica. Eyewitnesses reported that the tremors lasted over two minutes. Many aftershocks have followed. This is the winter in Peru, and it is very cold.
Power and water supplies and the cities' infrastructure have all been disrupted. Pisco is a city of 120,000 people. 80% of the homes were destroyed. Some outlying areas have not yet received aid.
The organization HUAW HUAW from Lima has traveled to Pisco and Ica to help the animals there. Many have been left homeless or injured, with no one to care for them.From Lima, they're now on their second rescue tripBy Francisco Cavero Alprecht, President of HUAW HUAW
Translated by Michael G. Rodrigue, Best Friends NetworkDear Friends:
Thanks a million for your support. Our first involvement in Ica and Pisco, as you can see in the pictures, was truly a big help, and a total success.
We left on Wednesday very early to offer support to Dr. Carlos Bellido (his veterinary site was totally demolished) in Ica, which was one of the places hardest hit by the earthquake. They set up emergency surgeries for dogs and cats (many of them having multi-traumas), the neighboring areas were helped (where there is very little help) with treatment, deworming, anti-flea treatments, and donations of food for pets.
At 6 AM on Thursday we headed to Pisco, where we planted ourselves on the third block of Bolognesi Street offering support to our coleague Miguel Hernandez (his veterinary site totally demolished). Veterinary care was given, surgeries, as well as food, anti-flea treatments and dewormings.
These are colleagues who have lost everything; they have no instruments or any of the basics. These are just two cases, but nonetheless they are giving all of themselves and their time, unselfishly, to help the poor animals.
Due to the large number of poor animals without care, we have decided to hurry back there tomorrow. At 2 PM we'll head toward Ica, to then leave for Pisco at 6 AM on the following day.
Drastic measures taken in emergency situations, such as those in the affected areas where there are large number of dogs in the streets, can be very radical and unethical. Consideration is being given to poisoning the animals (a death with prolonged suffering).
If the authorities make that fatal decision, it needs to be done by veterinarians who correctly euthanize, so that it is "ethical".
The solution is to put up for adoption the largest number of animals possible (saving as many as possible). If there is a demand for adoption of homeless animals, many of them can be evacuated.
There is little help, and the needs are great. We are grateful to the firms Intervet, Cassiel, Nutram and Top San Martin.
We are grateful for the very professional and efficient collaboration of the veterinarians:
Rafael La Rosa
Gonzalo Pinillos
Oscar Semorile
We are grateful to Mr Ronald Garcia Ponce (Marife Rent a Car) who
offered mobility to us, in addition to being in charge of photography.
To Mr. Manuel Cardenas for consultation offered, based on his experience with the Red Cross.
Thanks to all who helped in this first campaign.
How you can helpHUAW's website has further information about the earthquake relief efforts:
http://fecipa.blogspot.com/2007/08/asociacion-huaw-huaw-de-peru-hace.htmlHUAW HUAW's email address is:
asociacionhuaw@gmail.com
Francisco Cavero Alprecht, President of HUAW HUAW in Peru, is requesting the following help:
We are in need of your support, which can be
cash sent to our savings account (temporarily in the name of Fiorella Cochella) 19311355342041 Banco de Credito, Lima, Peru
or sent to Elbas Veterinary Hospital on Avenida Republica de Panama 6584, Barranco, Lima, Peru
veterinary supplies needed: alcohol, thermometers, instruments, syringes, cotton, gauze, serum, scrubs, hypodermic needles, nylon, food, balanced with things needed to effectively help both the poor animals as well as the veterinarians.
Photos: HUAW HUAW