Animals Suffer Alongside Humans in Europe's Devastating Climate Crises

As Europe reels from heatwaves, flash floods, and wildfires, the Humane Society of the United States is highlighting the plight of animals in the midst of these disasters. With communities across the continent facing the ravages of climate change, it is essential to acknowledge that animals, both pets and farmed animals, are also victims of these crises. According to Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, country director at Humane World for Animals Germany, disaster preparedness is crucial to ensure the safety of both people and animals.

Key Takeaways:

• The Humane Society of the United States is urging people to develop disaster plans that prioritize the safety of both humans and animals.
• A disaster preparedness kit for animals should include at least five days' worth of food and water, medications, pet first-aid supplies, and identification documents.
• Pet owners should ensure their pets are microchipped, wear ID tags, and have current photos to aid in identification.
• It is essential to have a safe shelter plan in place, including identifying pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or accommodations and having a support network in case of an emergency.
• Humane World for Animals, an international Animal Rescue Team, responds to animals in crisis, working closely with local, regional, and global organizations to provide animal rescue, relief, and evacuation services.
• The organization has responded to disasters such as the war in Ukraine, providing lifesaving aid to 100,000 animals and their guardians, and the catastrophic flooding in Poland, assisting five animal shelters and providing emergency food and shelter to hundreds of animals.

Statistics:

• In Germany, climate-related emergencies are no longer rare events, with devastating floods caused by torrential rains in Ahrweiler in 2021 and extreme heat this July, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius and wildfires breaking out in regions like Brandenburg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.
• In the first three weeks after the earthquake in Turkiye in 2023, more than 1,500 animals received medical care at three main veterinary field clinics.
• Humane World for Animals' international disaster relief team has provided emergency relief to thousands of animals caught up in the earthquakes in Turkiye.

Sources:

• Humane Society of the United States, Press Release: "Animals Suffer Alongside Humans in Europe's Devastating Climate Crises"
• Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, Country Director at Humane World for Animals Germany
• Humane World for Animals, website and social media
• Humane Society International, website and social media