As the rapid response team from Best Friends Animal Society continues to implement a plan to help the animals of Western Peru, local animal welfare organizations have stepped in to help. Several groups are contributing to the effort to administer vaccinations, feed hungry animals and spay or neuter as many pets as possible.
United for the Animals, a group in Pisco Playa, will continue to administer vaccinations to dogs and cats. The group recently began performing spay and neuter surgeries as well, according to Rich Crook, Best Friends’ rapid response team manager. Crook worked with Fabiana Portal of United for the Animals to help the group implement a method for marking animals that have already received vaccinations.
The Peruvian Association for the Protection of Animals will provide pet food, volunteers and some medicines for the animals. The group’s president, Cecilia DeGregory, is committed to sending food and volunteers into El Carmen and El Olivos.
The Association of Defense and Protection of the Animals, though recently formed, enthusiastically offered to provide volunteers and to spread the word about Best Friends’ efforts with the animals. The group also plans to help Best Friends in the field, providing assistance with vaccinations.
A small group, Improving Life Peru, has supplied pet food for Best Friends’ relief plan. Although the group typically supports humanitarian efforts, members decided to lend a hand to this effort. The group has pet food shipped by bus to areas where Best Friends provides vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries.
For more information about Best Friends Animal Society and the group’s efforts in Peru, visit the Best Friends website.