The islands of Samoa have a significant dog population and people are heavily reliant on their cattle, pigs and chickens. The team distributed hundreds of cans of cat and dog food to the six worst hit villages, provided by WSPA member society, the Animal Protection Society of Samoa. In addition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition from New Zealand donated 2 tonnes of its dog food to villagers for their animals. The mayor of Saleaamua village, Tiumalu Amakisa, said: “Thank you so much for your donation. Thank you for what you do for us and our country.”
We met an extremely luck family in Ulutogia who managed to escape unharmed from the tsunami, thanks to their dog. He sensed the water coming and started barking. Thankfully, the family looked to see what had frightened him and saw the wave coming. Their houses were destroyed but the people were able to escape with their two young children, their dogs and their neighbours too.
Dr Juan Carlos Murillo, Disaster Management Veterinary Co-ordinator
