As the community begins to face the aftermath of the magnitude 6.3 quake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand last week, the search and rescue efforts for humans and animals remains high priority.
The human death toll currently sits at 148, with 8 people named, and others expected to be on the list of the more than 200 people still unaccounted for. Although communication continues to be difficult due to the destruction, WSPA remains in regular contact with its member society, the Canterbury SPCA, as well as the National Animal Welfare Emergency Management Liaison Group (NAWEM), the New Zealand Veterinary Association and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, who are managing the animal assessment and relief work in the area.
The Wellington SPCA Animal Rescue Unit and Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team arrived on Sunday afternoon to assist. The Christchurch City Council's Animal Control is taking the lead with efforts inside the cordon area with the assistance of the SPCA. WSPA remains on standby should these groups require any further assistance, although at this stage it appears our help will not be required as few animals have been adversely affected in contrast with the human population.
Contact has been made with most veterinary clinics in Christchurch. Most are up and running, with some having power and/or water. A small number of companion animals have presented with minor injuries like cuts and abrasions, and a few are being treated for fractures. There have been no reports of injuries to horses.
Some roaming cats and dogs have been brought into clinics and others have been reported to the SPCA. Some who have microchips have been reunited with owners, while others are temporarily being cared for by those who have brought them in. The SPCA are working with Pets on the Net and Trade Me to help earthquake victims locate their lost animals. The current situation in New Zealand is a reminder for pet owners around the globe to check with their local authorities what method of pet identification, like microchipping, is available to them. This process can increase the likelihood of a reunion not only in a disaster situation, but should your pet become missing at any time.
The SPCA are checking apartment buildings in the CBD for pets that may be trapped inside. They are also checking with welfare centres to ascertain if evacuees have turned up with pets or service dogs, and to ensure the Christchurch veterinarians, who have been integral in relief efforts, are not too overwhelmed with the situation.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed that the damage in the rural areas is relatively minor, outside of house/building damage. Federated Farmers are reporting very little damage also and at this stage there appears to be no animal welfare issues.
As the search and rescue efforts continue we will keep you up to date with any news that comes in.
