On Saturday April, 25th, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. At the time of writing, over 5,000 people have been confirmed dead and the country’s Prime Minister has warned that the death toll may rise to 10,000 in the coming days. Charity, UNICEF, has said that more than one million children have been affected by the earthquake. Thousands of people are staying in temporary camps as homes have been destroyed and built-up areas are feared unsafe. Humanitarian aid workers, doctors, nurses and members of the public are now doing what they can to Support the survivors of this tragedy in the aftermath of the largest earthquake to hit the region in over 80 years.

In addition to vital work being carried out to help the human victims of the earthquake, animal organizations have been working hard to offer Support, veterinary care, shelter, food and water to animals in desperate need. Frightened and injured animals are receiving life-saving treatment at the hands of emergency vets and lost and abandoned companion animals are being cared for by rescuers. Like people, animals have been left without food, water and shelter and are at high risk of disease.

Below is information about four organizations that are working hard for animals in the midst of the devastation and how you can help them.

1. Animal Nepal

Animal Nepal is a Nepalese NGO which works to deliver spay, neuter, and vaccination programs for stray animals as well as striving to improve the welfare of working donkeys and elephants.

An update on the organization’s Facebook Page confirmed that in the wake of the earthquake, they were in desperate need of donations to buy supplies, rebuild quarantine units for donkeys and dogs and conduct outreach in the worst affected villages of Lalitpur District. In addition, the team confirmed that five of the NGO’s team members’ homes were destroyed in the quake.

If you would like to Support the group’s appeal for help, please donate via Animal Nepal’s website.

2. The KAT Center

The KAT center delivers an important spay, neuter, and vaccination program to some of Kathmandu’s 22,500 street dogs. Three days after the earthquake hit, the KAT Center reported: “due to the frequent tremors we had, some parts of the wall premises collapsed. We are doing our best to cover up the walls with everything we can to prevent the dogs from escaping. Also, we are currently facing huge problems with food and water.”

Despite the immense challenges being faced by the organization, staff from the KAT Center hit the streets of the city on Wednesday to deliver emergency care for animals who need them.

If you can Support KAT’s emergency fund to help street animals in Kathmandu at this important time, please donate via their website.

3. Humane Society International

Humane Society International’s vet team is flying out to Nepal armed with veterinary medicines, vaccinations, surgical equipment, and other supplies. The organization confirmed that its team will Support local animal welfare groups on the ground to reach animals in need.

A Humane Society International spokesperson explained in a press release, “When a disaster of this magnitude strikes, people, and animals living in the same community all fall victim to the devastating consequences. Many thousands of animals will likely be badly affected by the earthquake, alongside their human companions and owners.”

To Donate to Humane Society International’s International Disaster Relief Fund, please visit their website.

4. World Animal Protection

International NGO, World Animal Protection, has an experienced disaster response team and vets and personnel from the expert organization flew out to Nepal on Tuesday evening. A spokesperson for World Animal Protection said:

“The scale of this disaster is catastrophic for both people and animals. Our team of disaster specialist vets are on their way to Kathmandu to give desperately needed help.”

To Support World Animal Protection’s dedicated Disaster Response Fund, please visit their website to donate.

Help Us to Spread the Word!

We know that donating isn’t always possible for everyone but, don’t worry, you can still Support the heroic work of those on the ground right now in Nepal by simply spreading the word! Please share this article far and wide in Support of the animal victims of this tragedy, and the wonderful people working hard to save them.

Lead image source: World Animal Protection