Animal Rescuers Continue To Find Pets Buried In Debris In Turkey Weeks After Devastating Earthquake

Well over two weeks since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake had struck the central southern region of Turkey near Gaziantep, killing over 40,000 people and leaving devastation all over Turkey and Syria, rescue workers are still frantically racing against time to locate and rescue pets trapped in the wreckage. Humane Society International has sent out an animal rescue and veterinary team to Antakya, Turkey, where they have been busy reuniting pet owners with their beloved furry friends who survived the quakes.

A search and rescue team arrived within hours of the first February 6 earthquake and has been working non-stop ever since, braving more aftershocks, including another powerful 6.3 magnitude on February 20. Every day, the HSI team sweeps through heavily hit areas, rescuing injured animals, animals suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. "Our team is working with local vets and volunteers in a temporary field hospital set up to treat rescued animals, and we're getting an overwhelming number of requests for help," says Kelly Donithan, director of animal disaster response for HSI.

Many residents were obliged to evacuate hastily, carrying only their pets. According to Donithan, evacuees are highly concerned about their pets' safety, and the team is finding houses to search for pets whenever possible. At times, they even hear barks and meows within the rubble and breathe a sigh of hope that more animals can still be rescued.

Stories of Survival: The Tear-Jerking Rescues

During the work, the HSI team witnesses very touching moments. At one point, there was a rescue involving a female mother dog who, by all means, was well managing to keep the newborn babies alive in such deplorable conditions. "When we brought her into our hospital tent, she immediately fell asleep while her blind puppies nursed," Donithan says, recalling the incident. Such stories have fueled the rescuers with more commitment toward their work.

In addition to the animals in homes, there were stray animals that the rescue team could help, who were otherwise exposed to the earthquakes. According to speculation, where animals would hide in desperation, even just some supplies like water and food are supplied in case some of them dehydrated or starved might survive till rescue time.

International Collaboration for Rescue Efforts

Teams from all over the world are already on their way to Turkey, to participate in that country's disaster response: Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, India… And featuring in this list are specially trained search and rescue dogs from Mexico, which will be searching for people trapped and rescuing their pets.

"It's really difficult to estimate the number of animals affected. But one thing that's very clear is that for those who lost their homes, seeing their pets safe is a huge comfort to them. It's very humbling to see how warm our rescue work was received by all these people we met here in Antakya," says Donithan.

Donations to sustain relief efforts are being accepted by organizations including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Doctors Without Borders, GlobalGiving, Save the Children, and the Syrian American Medical Society. Learn more about HSI's work in Turkey, Syria, and internationally in disaster response at their website.

Through every rescue, the HSI team brings a little relief to people and their pets, reunifying families with their pets while rebuilding hope in the face of a very heartbreaking disaster.