SRI LANKA ANIMAL RELIEF OPERATION

The following is dedicated to the strays, companions and caregivers of Sri Lanka. May their lives grow strong with each passing day.

Overview

Following the December 26, 2004 Tsunami that hit southern Asia, Wade Beane, director of Humane Education Programs, traveled to Sri Lanka with Noah's Wish, an international animal disaster organization. Joining forces with local veterinarians, a program was initiated to provide food and vaccinations for animals living in relief camps and devastated villages.

The magnitude of the disaster left no part of society untouched. Everyone from young to old, fisherman to farmer, shop owner to business commuter was affected, including the animals. The animal relief operation was overwhelmingly supported by the government, human aid organizations, and health care officials.

The assistance provided to animals will result in long term benefits for the entire nation. Animals were treated for skin conditions and major health ailments, while also receiving food. Humans now live among animals vaccinated against rabies, and children understand how animals can help aid the healing process. Most importantly, Noah's Wish was part of a multi-organizational effort to stop the eradication of displaced dogs. In a time when nature itself has taken so much life, it is crucial people do not have to watch humans take the lives of even more animals out of fear of rabies.