Major Accomplishments for Animals in Haiti One Year After the Earthquake

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the world pauses to remember one of the deadliest days in modern history, reports from Haiti one year after the devastating quake reveal a nation still reeling from the recent cholera outbreak and post-election violence. Amidst mounting frustration over an apparently slow and ineffective response for humans, today ARCH (the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti) announces the treatment of over 50,000 animals surpassing the ambitious goals established a year ago.

Formed just days after the quake, ARCH led by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is the only coalition that set off to provide relief for the animal survivors and address the threat of disease spreading from animals to humans.

"Considering the vital importance of animals in the welfare of Haitian families, we are happy to report that our Mobile Veterinary Clinic has now treated over 50,000 animals—far-exceeding the 14,000 mark we had set as our initial goal," said Dr. Ian Robinson IFAW's Emergency Relief Director.

ARCH has been working with the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment and pledged $1.1M that has already translated into several major accomplishments this last year. Tens of thousands of animals including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, goats and sheep have been treated, Haiti's National Laboratory is being re-built; solar-powered refrigeration units that keep life-saving vaccinations stable have been installed across the country; a first-of-its-kind dog and cat population and attitudinal survey was conducted in Port-au-Prince; and ARCH continues its animal welfare public awareness campaigns in the Haitian capital.

"The goal for us has been to provide aid to as many animals as possible and have a long-lasting impact for the people of Haiti," added Dr. Robinson. "Although the ARCH coalition will come to an end, our work has brought long term improvement. By working closely with the government, we have enabled them to continue the important work in diagnostics and control of diseases through new and improved infrastructure to carry out vaccination campaigns."

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. www.ifaw.org

About ARCH (Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti)

Animal welfare organizations formed the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) so that we could work together to bring aid to as many animals, and in as short a time, as possible. At present, ARCH partners include: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), In Defense of Animals,  American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society,  ASPCA,  United Animal Nations,  Kinship Circle,  One Voice,  Swiss Animal Protection,  Palo Alto Humane Society (PAHS),  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),  Finnish Federation for Animal Welfare Associations,  Animal Medical Care Foundation (AMCF), Petfinder.com Foundation, Mayhew International, and Last Chance for Animals.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare