December 3, 2013

Here is an update on the animal rescue efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. The team from Humane Society International, led by HSVMA member Dr. Rey del Napoles returned from the field earlier this week, and was pleased to report that all but one of missing pets reported to the special hotline pets had been found. The team rescued a total of 34 animals (31 dogs/puppies, two cats and one rat) from the hardest hit area, Tacloban, on the island of Leyte. All animals were brought to HSI’s temporary shelter on Cebu and most animals have been reunited with their families at this time. The remaining pets will be picked up by mid-December. The team also identified other animals in need of rescue on the island, and currently five puppies and three adult dogs are up for adoption at HSI’s temporary shelter.

Dr. Rey del Napoles and members of HSI rescue Bubba, a dog in Tacloban City days after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. The dog owner was in tears and quite surprised that HSI actually showed up and answered his plea for help.
Jake Verzosa/AP Images for HSI

The team, led by Dr. del Napoles and Rahul Segal of HSI, performed amazing work under extremely difficult conditions to save hundreds of animal lives on Leyte. Operating in one of the most devastated areas of the nation, without the use of GPS or proper addresses, they somehow managed to find nearly every pet reported as missing to the hotline. Their veterinary outreach and supplies allowed many families to maintain the care of their pets directly following the storm. Animals that were displaced whose ownership can’t be established and continue to roam the streets, will continue to receive food and water from the team as needed until life on Leyte returns to some form of normalcy.

After two exhausting and emotionally draining weeks in the field, the team took a much deserved rest until this weekend, when they will return to Leyte to provide ongoing vet care and replenish the feeding stations throughout the island. They will continue these efforts for as long as needed.

Typhoon survivors Vernie Balila and Manny Corregedor reunite with their dogs at the HSI temporary shelter in Cebu City. The animals were found by HSI rescuers in a bad hit area in Leyte.
Tonee Despojo/AP Images for HSI

You can read a question and answer session with Dr. del Napoles about the rescue work here. To view a slide show of images from the team’s efforts and make an emergency gift to help HSI provide direct response and relief during this and future disasters, click here.

November 18, 2013

Please take a minute to view this photo slideshow about Humane Society International’s animal rescue work in the Philippines in response to Typhoon Haiyan. HSVMA member Dr. Rey Del Napoles is helping lead HSI’s efforts.

HSI is sending a mobile veterinary clinic throughout the island of Leyte, with its base in Tacloban. That city was one of the areas hardest hit by Haiyan. The team will provide direct care to animals, including vaccination, deworming, wound care and food supplies. For those animals that may be roaming and displaced from the storm, HSI will set up strategic feeding and watering stations on the island. And HSI will offer a rescue and transport service to our temporary shelter on the island of Cebu for the many people that had to evacuate and leave their animals behind. A rescue hotline has also been established, and HSI is asking those families with pets currently in need on the island of Leyte, to contact 916-386-9126. The HSI team will request details, addresses and photos of pets. The team will do everything possible to find the pets and reunite them with their families.

Dr. Rey del Napoles cuts a wire to free a dog exposed to the sun without shade in Estancia, a town in the province of Iloilo.
Tonee Despojo/AP Images for HSI

Drs. Rey del Napoles and Daniel Jon Batinga arrive in badly-hit Roxas City Capiz in Iloilo province.
Tonee Despojo/AP Images for HSI