Though it’s been over two weeks since a 7.8-magnitude earthquake decimated a central southern region of Turkey, survivors are still being found in the rubble – including pets. Rescuers are still pulling live dogs from among the remains of collapsed buildings.
Rescuers Still Saving Dogs From Turkey Earthquake Rubble
When the earthquake struck Gaziantep on Feb. 6, over 40,000 people and countless animals died as a result. Countries like Mexico and Ireland sent canine search and rescue teams to help find survivors. Other animal rescue organizations have also mobilized to provide care for needy pets orphaned or injured as a result of the destruction.
A Humane Society International team has been combing through the rubble in Antakya, Turkey, looking for pets, despite yet another earthquake (this time with a magnitude of 6.3) that shook the region on Feb. 20.
“Every day here, our team is heading out to search for animals in the worst affected areas,” Kelly Donithan, HSI’s director of animal disaster response, told People in a statement. “We’re bringing back rescued dogs and cats suffering with cuts, bruising, malnutrition, dehydration, and infections. We’re working with an amazing team of local vets and volunteers in a veterinary field hospital tent, and the calls for help keep coming in.”
Pet owners have had to flee the area for their own safety, but are still concerned about the animals they left behind. In those cases, HSI seeks out the apartments of worried pet owners and retrieves their pets.
“It’s clear that for the people here who have lost everything, to know that their pet companions are safe means a lot, and it is humbling for our animal rescue work to be so welcomed by the people we’re meeting in Antakya,” Donithan told People.
Many More Dogs in Need of Care
In other instances, rescuers have reported being able to hear trapped dogs barking in crumbling buildings. And still, there are other animals – some found wandering the streets, others who are afraid and hiding out – in need of care.
“We found a mother dog who had very recently given birth, her puppies were still blind, but somehow, she’d managed to keep them safe,” Donithan told People. “When we settled her in a comfy bed at the hospital, she was so exhausted she slept all day while her pups suckled.”
Donithan said it is difficult to estimate how many animals have been affected by the earthquake but affirmed it was “certainly high.”
You can help by donating to HSI on its website.
