FOUR PAWS Supports Animal Response in Colombia

On 10 August, Colombia was hit by the strongest earthquake of the century. Over a month later,  more than 466,000 people have been affected, more than 36,000 homes destroyed, and over 200,000 damaged. Schools, health facilities, roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure were also affected.

Disasters of this scale affect entire communities and the systems they depend on, including the animals and the people and organisations responsible for their care. Many animals were trapped in damaged buildings, injured by debris and broken glass, or were separated from their human families and went missing.

Local authorities, veterinarians, animal welfare organisations, rescuers and volunteers mobilised rapidly to rescue animals, provide veterinary treatment, trace missing animals and transport essential supplies to affected areas.

Immediately after the earthquake struck, FOUR PAWS coordinated a field deployment. Working with its Colombian partner, Proyecto ALA, the team travelled from Bogotá to heavily affected areas in western Chocó, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca. In each location, the team worked alongside local animal welfare organisations to assess needs and provide immediate assistance.

The team provided immediate assistance in these locations:

• In Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó region, around 250 animals received veterinary attention and approximately 300 animals received food. Cat food and veterinary medicines were in particular short supply. The team also identified two isolated communities where assistance had not yet reached, highlighting further needs beyond the areas already supported.
• In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda region, the team provided veterinary medicines and medical supplies for approximately 100-250 animals, enabling the clinic’s team to continue treating animals affected by the earthquake.
• In Valle del Cauca, the team purchased around one tonne of animal food and veterinary medicines, and around 250 animals received veterinary treatment and approximately 1,500 animals received food. Four animals with more serious injuries were transferred to Bogotá for further treatment.
• Across all locations, the team supported stray animals affected by the earthquake. Some were brought to the team by neighbours, while in other cases residents directed the team to animals they knew were injured or in need. Others were more difficult to assist because they were frightened and avoided people, including some that appeared injured or sick. Where possible, the team also left food with community members who regularly care for stray animals.
• The response complements the substantial mobilisation already taking place across Colombia to help animals. Government authorities, municipal animal welfare services, veterinary clinics, animal protection organisations and volunteers have all contributed, while significant quantities of animal food, veterinary medicines and other supplies have been transported to affected areas.

The next phase of our response will prioritise smaller and harder-to-reach locations, smaller-scale animal care arrangements and individual carers whose needs remain insufficiently covered.

Colombia already formally includes companion animals, farmed animals and wildlife within its national disaster risk management system, supported by a national protocol covering rescue, veterinary care, transport, temporary accommodation, food and water. According to Colombia’s national disaster-management authority, 1,976 animals have been rescued as part of the emergency response. 

Alongside the immediate response, we plan to examine lessons from the earthquake and animal response to help strengthen future animal-inclusive disaster preparedness and response.