Caring for feral and non-domesticated animals

Dogs and cats may experience behavioral changes which might make them less approachable than they might have otherwise been. Defensive animals may bite as a reaction to a perceived threat when injured or traumatized – we recommend extreme caution.

These animals may be more approachable before a storm than after. If possible please consider sheltering a homeless animal, even if only during the active part of the storm. Put yourself in their place and ask how you might feel, left to survive in extreme elements, terrified, and suffering.

Please do not attempt to bring dogs and cats into the same rooms – and be sure that you have a means of securing them from doing damage to furnishings and other items in the home, should they become panicked during the intense weather. Do not leave them in areas of a home where they may be trapped by flooding or subjected to live electrical current and water in the same immediate environment.

Following a storm, please consider providing food and comfort to animals as well as people. Any scraps of food may be the only nourishment they may receive for long periods of time. In a country where neglect and abuse of animals is rampant even during times when there is no crisis, imagine the conditions for the animals when there is.

Municipal perrerias and private rescue operations may be taxed well beyond capacity, and any donated food, medicines, supplies or cash will be greatly appreciated.

Rendering first aid to an animal which is injured and approachable requires a few special considerations. An animal which may be approachable at first may become defensive when handling it’s injuries. Gentle muzzling techniques using a shirt sleeve, sock, or other methods of safely and humanely keeping their mouths secured are recommended . Having the help of a capable person to insure the animal can be safely restrained if needed is also an important thing. There may be no access to veterinary care for extended times following a severe disaster. Your care may be the only care that an animal will receive. Simple first aid techniques to care for shock, control bleeding, stabilize sprained or broken limbs, treating for dehydration, etc., will be effective in most cases.

Here is an excellent link for first aid techniques – we ask you to review it now, while access to an internet connection is still available – print the content of the pages for future reference:

http://www.petalert.com.au/faid/fa1.php

The very sad thing is that animals experiencing severe injuries without access to medical intervention may require euthanasia. If you cannot accomplish this in a humane and effective manner, do not attempt to do so. ‘Euthanasia’ means ‘the good death’. Do not attempt any procedure which will only prolong or increase suffering, or which might make the final moments of life a more terrifying or traumatic experience. A firearm used carefully would be best. Do not use boards, clubs, vehicles, or other such means. Ask for help and hope that someone in your community can quickly and humanely render this difficult but caring service.

We wish you all well, and pray that this information is never to be called into action. We also pray that should it be needed it will be used to reduce suffering and to contribute in some small way to the recovery of our friends and loved ones in the region.