No end to the destruction in Haiti

This report was filed from Port-au-Prince, by the International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) ER Communications Officer Michael Booth.

On the second day of operation in Haiti (Sunday, 24th of Jan.), ARCH (Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti) members traveled South of Port-au-Prince to the towns of Leogane and Jacmel. We had heard a lot about the extent of structural damage and loss of life in these two places but needed to go and assess the situation with the animals. Unlike the capital city, these two more rural areas understandably hold a larger population of farm animals.

It didn’t take long until we encountered a number of goats, pigs and dogs all assembled near dump sites along the local fruit and vegetable market haphazardly set-up on the side of a dirt road. Haiti had made great progress in re-housing street markets not too long ago but the earthquake brought the roof of the new market down and with it any attempts at an organized, safe and clean distribution center. Within just a few days, the vendors had again established themselves really anywhere they could and instantly animals were drawn there to rummage in the garbage in an attempt to find whatever food they could.

We continued for more than an hour and a half to cross the hills outside Port-au-Prince and reach Haiti’s southern shore. The distance is not all that long but the highway has considerable damage and big cracks have literally displaced many sections of the road. Land and rock slides also cut all access to Jacmel for several days so our team was one of the first people to make the ride.

At Jacmel, we saw more of the same, tragic scenery. Toppled houses marked by fluorescent signs that indicate SAR (Search and Rescue Team) work done in the rubble. You see numbers in the signs, some indicate the number of bodies found, others indicate the survivors, as expected the latter number is usually the lowest.

Roaming and ‘community’ dogs abound in Jacmel. Unlike the city dogs, these seem to be a bit more passive. Many are far from being healthy but one would expect that little has changed since the earthquake struck. Chickens, pigs, cattle, horses, we encountered many animals, struggling to survive in a country that is limited in almost every way possible, but life goes on, much like it did before the 12th of January.

We met with local officials there and also visited a Canadian armed forces hospital set-up in the now damaged port. Incredibly enough, Canadian SAR teams are still active there, looking, hoping for signs of life. Already 2 weeks after the quake, there is little chance, but as history will prove, it’s not completely impossible, so they go on, hoping.

On our way back to Port-au-Prince we stopped at Leogane. This city, just 20 or so minutes away from the capital was hit very hard. Only a 2 story school and a handful of houses were able to withstand the quake. What must have once been a beautiful church was a big pile of stones, in front, yet another ‘tent’ city had been established, they should really call them ‘sheet’ cities, few are lucky enough to have tents, most have to settle for a few walls made out of bed-sheets allowing some sort of privacy but really no shelter.

More chickens, more dogs, all searching for food. I noticed a couple of stray dogs had ‘latched’ on to certain people. They would just follow them from one place to the other, a few meters away, scared and nervous but hoping that they could find a family to belong to. Some were ignored, others pushed away, it made me think ‘did these dogs have a family before Jan. 12?’ is that the reason why they ‘cling’ hopelessly to passer-by’s? I really don’t want to know the answer to that; I just hope our work in Haiti can help relieve that pain, loneliness and sadness. Thanks again to all our IFAW supporters, without you we could not be here. Your contribution will help Haiti’s animals when they need it the most.

Comments

[Morgan]

Hi there, I would love to come help IFAW's efforts in Haiti during March 2010...is this a possibility? Please contact me if you have a moment: morgan.2.2@hotmail.com

Thank you so much and thank you for the work you are doing!

Morgan

[Veronica]

The work you guys are doing is so extremely uplifting, it broke my heart & brought a tear to my eye to think of all the animals left behind after the quake & it's so heartwarming to see that there's people out there that really do care about the animal victims, who are, along with the children, the most vulnerable, I can't thank you enough for your efforts as what you're doing for those animals is something I just WISH I could do.

Keep up the great work & no matter what tragedy you experience, never lose sight of the good you're doing (:

& Morgan ; I really do hope you get the chance to help out, good luck!

Veronica Watene - New Zealand.

[micheline lozner]

Like Morgan,donating is great, but would love to be on the ground doing hands on. How can I volunteer

Mimi

[Barbara]

Thank you on behalf of all the animals.Are they going to be brought here for adoption? How can I adopt one?

[The Zuniga Family]

This is a tragedy.
We have no words to appreciate your mission. The love, kidness & comfort
you are bringing to these
animals in need is outstanding & priceless. God bless you & keep you safe from any harm so you can delivery your stability to all these
homeless animals.
Please take care of yourself & keep us posted.
With our gratitude to you.

[Carmen]

It's heartbreaking to hear of dog's clinging to people in the hope they can find a family to be a loving part of. May God relieve your suffering and bless all those who are working so hard to help both people and animals.

[Ana]

Thank you for all the help and compassion you are giving these animals. My heart and prayers goes out to all of you. May God bless you with triple rewards!

[karen]

It's gratifying and a comfort to me to know that there is a presence on the ground looking out for the animal victims of this natural disaster (not the first and surely won't be the last). Too often in the past the non-human victims have been overlooked so am particularly pleased that this is not the case on this occasion. I aknowledge and applaud you for the personal hardships you will endure in undertaking this most worthwhile task. Wish I could be there myself but as I can't will do the only other thing I can and make a financial donation. Thanks for the updates and stay safe.

[Elise]

Thank you for helping the animals. They, too, deserve comfort and kindness, and should not be forgotten. Blessings to everyone, animals included.