The DANA which hit provinces such as Valencia, Málaga, Albacete and Cuenca left behind a trail of flooded municipalities, victims and missing people. And it’s not just people who have suffered the consequences of the storm, but animals too. From the first hours, the authorities took action to save pets that residents were unable to take with them. Many of these animals ended up on the streets or in temporary shelters, such as the one set up in the Sporting Benimaclet football field in Valencia.
The Benimaclet football pitch already welcomes over 300 rescued animals
The football pitch in Benimaclet, Valencia, has become an improvised shelter for more than 300 animals rescued from the floods caused by storm DANA. Currently, it is home to over 235 dogs, more than 100 cats and several farm animals, including chickens, horses, ferrets and even ostriches, all recovered from the affected areas. Carol Ugarte, spokeswoman for Sporting Benimaclet, explained how the neighborhood club, which plays in the second regional division, began receiving the animals on Wednesday afternoon, organizing itself with the Burjassot Animal Protection to collect materials and manage the reception.
In addition to pets, the team also coordinates the relocation of farm animals from affected areas to shelters or shelters that have offered to help them. Furthermore, since Thursday, the camp has also served as a collection point for non-perishable food, water and cleaning products intended for those affected by the storm.
The movement is incessant in this football field on the outskirts of the Benimaclet district, where several teams are responsible for recording the data of the people available to welcome the animals, offer veterinary assistance and guarantee a minimum of care. Veterinarians, ethologists, educators, members of animal protection and the players of the club’s four teams are working together to deal with this emergency. Since Saturday, psychologists have also joined to help the volunteers manage stress and the crisis.
Many of the animals arrive covered in mud, with fleas and other parasites. Ugarte explains that the most urgent need at the moment is to have anti-parasitic drugs and carriers available. Animals requiring more advanced care are transferred to specialized veterinary clinics.
The volunteers, who number in the hundreds, tell of an incessant transfer. They work tirelessly to rescue animals and identify those that do not have a microchip. They arrive covered in mud, in shock, some with infections and parasites. So far, over 230 dogs, a hundred cats and various farm animals have been welcomed. These animals need temporary care and foster care until they are finally adopted or their owners claim them.
This is what they spread in their latest post on Instagram:
On Tuesday 5 November, from 10.30am to 7.30pm, we continue to offer support for animals and people affected by the recent disasters. If you find a lost pet, bring it to our facilities: we have a microchip reader to try to trace the owners or we can find temporary families to welcome them. Furthermore, we have activated a collection point for non-perishable food and water for those affected. We also urgently need reception volunteers, rescue teams, hygiene materials and safety equipment. Help us spread the message and leave no one behind.
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