Thursday 20th January 2005
Appeal launched for animals of tsunami-struck Asia Long-term future of animals vital in the region’s overall recovery
A worldwide appeal for the animals of tsunami-struck Asia was launched today by the World Society for the Protection of
Animals (WSPA), an international UN-recognised charity representing nearly 500 member societies worldwide.
All funds from the appeal will go to help secure the long-term needs of animals in the region. This will help guard
against future situations where large numbers of animals may be at risk of starvation, dehydration, or sickness. WSPA is
committed to helping in the rebuilding of an animal welfare infrastructure to take care of the future needs of animals.
This will include mass sterilisation and vaccination programmes for stray animals and the provision of mobile animal
clinics in parts of the world where veterinary care is a rarity.
Kimberly Muncaster, WSPA’s New Zealand Manager, commented, “We urgently need funds to help our efforts to provide
long-term support in caring for animals. By helping to manage stray animals humanely, we will hinder the spread of
disease and reduce the fear of rabies. Livestock and working animals are vital to the lives of rural communities.
Helping these animals plays a part in the process of people putting their lives back together.”
During the initial phase of the disaster relief work for animals, WSPA veterinarians and animal care experts have been
working alongside local WSPA member societies in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The WSPA teams have been
supporting efforts to provide food and veterinary treatment for sick and injured animals, and establish temporary
shelters. In conjunction with local organisations and government authorities, WSPA’s teams have drawn up plans for
longer-term recovery. In Phuket alone, one of the worst hit islands of Thailand, WSPA estimates that NZ$800,000 will be
needed to rebuild an infrastructure that can deal with the future needs of animals.
Major General Peter Davies CB, WSPA Director General, said, “The tragic suffering of people throughout tsunami-struck
Asia has been echoed by the desperate, yet silent, plight of their animals. Animal shelters and veterinary facilities
have been destroyed in some areas and animal populations practically decimated. WSPA is committed to a long term
resourced plan for the area, establishing an infrastructure to provide for the future needs of animals.” -ends- Daily
bulletins on WSPA’s disaster relief operation are online at www. wspa.org.nz
ENDS