Two of Qatar’s largest volunteer-run animal shelters have asked for financial help and other forms of assistance after this week’s rain partially flooded their facilities.
“It’s a real nightmare situation,” said Amy Redfern, the manager of 2nd Chance Rescue.
Speaking to Doha News today, she said that 155 dogs and 30 cats in the shelter live outdoors in cages that leave them exposed to the wind and rain.
Distressed by the storm, some dogs have been trying to escape by pawing at the walls of their cages, damaging them.
“The thunder is really terrifying them,” Redfern said.
She added that is some pooling water and muddy conditions on the shelter’s property, but no significant flooding.
And, like during the last big rain in November, the shelter’s roof is leaking again.
However, over at Paws Rescue Qatar, about 30 dogs have been squeezed into the facility’s indoor shelter to get them out of the water that’s been accumulating around the property.
Another 30 dogs, as well as approximately 30 cats, remain outside, said Alison Caldwell, a Paws co-founder and committee member.
“We struggle really badly when it rains,” she told Doha News. “There’s no suitable drainage … The problem is that (the standing water can lead to) illness.”
She estimated that between 20 and 30 volunteers have been to the shelter this week, helping to move animals indoors, drying them off with towels and checking to make sure they are not coughing or showing other signs of sickness.
Both shelters are appealing for monetary donations, as well as materials such as tarps and pallets to keep the animals off the ground and shelter them from the rain.
2nd Chance has started an online donation page, while Paws is also looking for temporary foster homes for animals until its property dries out in addition to seeking donations.
Qatar authorities have previously discussed building their own animal shelter, most recently floating plans that would see a new facility constructed by 2018, caring for abandoned pets and stray animals largely falls to volunteers in Qatar.
However, no updates on those plans have been announced.
Thoughts?
