WSPA has come under some criticism from two groups in Thailand in relation to our work to help the animals affected by the flooding in Bangkok. We would like to clarify our position in the interests of transparency and the respect we have, both for our partner organisations and all our supporters who generously donate what they can to our animals in disasters fund.
WSPA has been helping animals affected by the flooding in Thailand since early September, when our team went to Phichit Province and delivered emergency food to sustain over 2000 cattle. We have since delivered 25 tonnes of emergency pet food to three different areas in Central Thailand - which should help sustain 6000 animals for around six weeks - and are expecting to deliver another five tonnes in the coming days.
We have also distributed 75 cages for local groups to use in their emergency rescues and as temporary shelters. We are also reaching out to our international network to try and secure additional cages and send them into Thailand.
We are fully integrated with Thailand's livestock department's food distribution and vet services for pet animals. For the next two weeks WSPA staff will be working at their facility to assist in coordinating and delivering these services and to provide information regarding the situation on the ground.
We are continuing to work in close coordination with the Department of Livestock Development, Thailand Red Cross Society, the Thai Vet Network and Department of Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation in Thailand to ensure that we deliver the best results for the animals affected.
It will take a long time and sustained efforts to truly resolve the situation in Thailand. By working with government bodies as well as other NGO groups, WSPA is ensuring that we do everything we can to help as many animals as possible while ensuring that the animal welfare infrastructure recovers from the disaster.
Unfortunately two local organisations have been trying to solicit funds from our supporters by posting comments on our animals in disaster blog. We have had to delete a couple of these comments as we cannot be accountable for any funds directed by our supporters to these other organisations. WSPA will continue to respond directly to all groups making requests for assistance. Our first priority has been and always will be helping the animals affected by these terrible floods.
