Nearly a week after the earthquake destroyed areas of Syria and Turkey, workers from an animal welfare group saved two dogs from a collapsed building. The dogs belonged to victims of the earthquake and are the focus of rescue efforts in the quake-stricken area.
Rescue Efforts by Animal Welfare Group
Under fallen buildings and rubble, the sounds of animals beckon for help alongside the cries of trapped humans.
“There are thousands of calls coming in”, says Zeynep Ceren Oktay from HAYTAP. HAYTAP (First Animal Rights Federation of Turkey) is an animal welfare group in the disaster area. After the earthquake, the animal welfare group immediately jumped into action. HAYTAP began offering aid before other international organizations from countries including Mexico and Ireland were able to help.
Csenay Tekinbas, a representative of HAYTAP, spoke with the Associated Press regarding the rescue of the dogs from a collapsed building in Antakya. Tekinbas described the event as miraculous.
“One of the dogs clung to its owner’s corpse, and it was absolutely a miracle that it was rescued six days later.” Finally, the rescued pet left its deceased dog parent. “I hope it holds on to life,” Tekinbas said. “I hope we can give it a new life.”
A Battle for Survival
Animal welfare groups set up field hospitals for rescued animals. “Every minute our team is saving a life and every day we transport the pets that don’t have owners to HAYTAP safe houses,” Zaynep says.
Survival, however, is only the start of an uphill battle. As soon as animal welfare workers rescue animals from the rubble, they struggle to find the provisions necessary to care for the pets.
“There is no food, bird food, chicken feed or anything in any pet shop at the moment,” Tekinbas stated. The earthquake destroyed many of the stores, making access to resources difficult. Additionally, emergency rescue teams must face winter weather and freezing temperatures.
The challenge is daunting. Workers hope to reunite pets with their families, but many will need new homes. In spite of the difficulty, rescuers remain hopeful. Videos from cell phones depict the rescues of cats, dogs, birds, and even sheep. Even in the midst of sadness, the moments of a successful rescue bring joy. The smiles are contagious.
Donations can be made through HAYTAP’s international partner, Network for Animals.
