Author: Emma Kronish

COVID-19 Crisis Felt Across the Globe

The speed and severity of the COVID-19 crisis has come as a shock to many. As schools and businesses close, daily life is affected everywhere, including animal shelters. Here at SPCA International, we continue to receive requests for help from shelter and rescue partners across the globe. Their need is critical and urgent.

Thanks to many generous SPCA International supporters, we have been able to earmark $100,000 for grants specifically for the COVID-19 crisis response. We have already authorized grants to the following organizations:

  • Plush Bears Shelter (Baicheng, China) – This shelter makes their own dog kibble, so funds will help them buy the ingredients they need to feed the dogs in their care.
  • K9 Global Rescue (Jeonju, South Korea) – This organization rescues dogs from the dog meat trade and finds them adoptive homes in the U.S. They can’t transport the dogs right now, so funds will help shelter, feed and provide veterinary care until the dogs can travel to their new homes.
  • SPCA Italia (Ardea, Italy) – This rescue organization has a special permit from the Italian police to rescue the many dogs and cats that are being abandoned on the streets amid the COVID-19 crisis. Funds will help them continue rescuing and caring for animals.
  • Animal House Jamaica (Lydford, Jamaica) – This shelter relies on food donations from the surrounding hotels to feed the 200 dogs in their care. With hotel operations halted, they now have to buy kibble. Funds will support the cost of buying food to last for two months.
  • Rifugio Jill Phipps (Asti, Italy) – This refuge organization shelters animals that have been saved from slaughter, including farm animals. They are having difficulty accessing food during the COVID-19 crisis, so funds will help them act quickly to buy food when it is available.
  • Unidad Proteccion Animal in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) – This organization is facing food shortages and store closures. Funds will help them purchase enough food to last until normal supply chains are functioning again.
  • Vucjak Shelter (Kragujevac, Serbia) – This shelter is faced with a food shortage as EU borders close. Funds will help them buy enough food to survive this crisis.

We’ll be sending many more grants to organizations like these in the coming weeks.  If you know of a shelter affected by the COVID-19 crisis, please have them contact us.

As we all feel the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, it is important to remember to keep the furry members of our families and communities safe as well. If you are looking for ways to help, here are just a few:

  • Contact your local animal shelter to ask what they need. Many are seeking extra food donations or short-term foster care for animals.
  • Make a donation to your local animal shelter or to SPCA International and we’ll get it to a shelter in need.
  • Keep yourself and your family safe by following local recommendations. By staying healthy, you’ll be able to care for your family members and pets.

Educate yourself and verify information sources. Remember, according to the World Health Organization dogs and cats can’t spread COVID-19 to humans.

If you would like to help us continue to provide vital support to shelters and animals around the world in this most challenging time : 

Please Donate Today!

COVID-19 Safety

For up-to-date information on how to keep yourself and family safe please refer to the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control.

Please refer to the EPA list of approved cleaning products to ensure that your cleaning products can kill COVID-19 and properly disinfect surfaces. Remember to read the label and follow the approved contact time for your products.

Check out SPCA International’s disaster kit essentials to help prepare your pets for emergency situations.

Veterinary professionals should refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidance during this time.

Use Petfinder.com to find a shelter in your area that you can support through adoption, fostering or food donations.

Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Here are some songs that will help you time yourself.

If you’d like to help us continue to provide vital support to shelters and animals around the world in this most challenging time: 

Please Donate Today!

Courageous Women Lead Animal Welfare Movement

By Meredith Ayan, Executive Director

March 8th is International Women’s Day, so I want to take a moment to honor all of the amazing women in the field of animal welfare.

Animal welfare is by and large a women’s movement. That’s not to say there aren’t some amazing men involved with animal welfare, because there certainly are. However, the vast majority of our partner organizations in North America and overseas are led by women. Even here at SPCA International our staff is made up of an incredible group of strong and committed women.

So, this International Women’s Day, I would like to recognize and honor just a few of the women making the world a better place for animals.

  • Helena Hesayne founded BETA Lebanon in 2004 and has since cared for thousands of animals. Today, BETA is in the process of building a new state of the art shelter facility that will house the over 800 dogs and cats who depend on Helena and her team.
  • Suzanne Rivera Danziger wanted to build a shelter when she founded AMA Guatemala, but couldn’t afford it. Now she sees this as a blessing. Instead of sheltering, AMA helps low income local citizens foster the strays they encounter on the streets. Then AMA secures loving forever homes for the animals. With this model, Suzanne is changing public perceptions about animal responsibility in Guatemala.
  • Pat Chan founded Spay Panama in 2001, which has sterilized tens of thousands of animals in Panama through free and low cost spay and neuter clinics held throughout the country. Pat’s innovative model of utilizing the time and talents of dozens of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students has prevented the births of hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals.  
  • Anna Clements founded SOS Galgos in Spain in 2000 along with her veterinarian husband. Together, they have saved hundreds of Spanish Greyhounds known as Galgos, brought the plight of Galgos to the public and political conscience, and even helped Galgos become one of the trendiest rescue dogs in Spain.
  • Du Yufeng is the fearless leader of the Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre in China. A life-long animal lover, Du started rescuing dogs in 2003. She is well known for her work to stop the dog meat trade in China and has been known to demand permits from truck drivers and butcher operating illegally (then call the police to have them arrested).
  • Garofita Hofmann leads Dog Rescue Romania where she has rescued hundreds of dogs and subsequently rehomed them throughout the European Union. Not just a shelter, Dog Rescue Romania works to sterilize dogs throughout the country and improve conditions for animals on the streets.

In my travels with SPCA International it has been an honor and a pleasure to meet the women advancing the animal welfare movement who are equal parts compassionate, motivated and intelligent. So to all the women who have stepped up to make life better for even just one animal. We see you, we honor you and we thank you.

Ofelia’s New Life

When our staff members were in Guatemala City last year, a call came in to our partner organization about a dog in distress.

That dog turned out to be Ofelia, a sweet but scared pup covered in matted fur. She hadn’t been cared for in a long time and she was frightened.

Our partner organization, AMA Guatemala, made sure Ofelia was healthy, and brought her to the groomer. The transformation was absolutely incredible.

But Ofelia’s journey didn’t stop with a new haircut. This lucky girl found a new home with an amazing family. She loves their big yard and playful kids. Just look at that smile!

Working Dogs Left to Die

By Meredith Ayan, Executive Director

You may have seen the news recently about the reports published about horrendous neglect of U.S. bomb-sniffing dogs in Jordan. In response to a hotline complaint, the Office of the Inspector General sent a team to do an evaluation of the kennel conditions of Explosive Detection Canines provided to Jordan. What they found was a horrifying combination of neglect, overwork and lack of basic veterinary care.

Dogs that were carefully trained to save lives are now living in squalid conditions. Their kennels are covered in feces, their water bowls are often dry, and they aren’t being fed regularly. All of that, and they are still expected to work long days under the hot sun; sniffing for bombs.

The report that was published makes an attempt to correct the living conditions, and some progress has been made. In late December, the State Department announced it would stop sending working dogs to Jordan and Egypt.

Unfortunately, U.S. trained dogs continue to live and work in Jordan and other foreign partner nations. This can feel like a lost cause, but it isn’t. We must urge the U.S. Government to implement worldwide standards of care can be met and monitored.

Will you join us in standing up for these animals? Please SIGN OUR PETITION urging the government for more transparency:

Our petition asks the State Department to STOP sending dogs to partner nations until policies are in place to ensure the well-being of these military dogs.

I have added my name to the list and hope you will too. You can read the full OIG report here: https://www.stateoig.gov/system/files/esp-19-06.pdf

Spay and Neuter: Still New in Developing Countries

By Meredith Ayan, Executive Director

Here at SPCA International, we talk a lot about spay and neuter. I know it can seem like a tired subject because it is such a common practice here in North America. However, in many developing countries around the world, sterilizing pets is a new concept, and it is just starting to catch on.

That’s the good news, though. Spaying and neutering pets is becoming more common in some of the most unlikely places, thanks to incredible SPCA International partner organizations. Last year, we supported organizations on every continent (except Antarctica) that are working hard to improve the health and living conditions of vulnerable animals by reducing suffering through spay and neuter initiatives.

SPCA International provides direct cash grants through our Shelter Support Fund and veterinary supplies through our Veterinary Supply Aid program for animal welfare organizations across the globe that have limited resources. These resources ensure that the surgeries can be carried out with the proper, sterilized instruments and necessary medications.

These partner organizations are carrying the message to rural villages and urban cities that spaying and neutering is humane and practical. Beyond educating the public, they are also setting up free and low-cost spay and neuter campaigns to ensure people can access the care their pets need. In many remote places there are no established veterinary clinics or regular access to veterinary care which makes these low cost campaigns incredibly important. Across the globe, millions of animals are born, live short lives and die on the streets. These animals experience extreme suffering, which is why spay and neuter is so critical. Every animal spayed or neutered saves several thousand potential animals from suffering.  At SPCA International we will continue to work toward the day that no animal has to suffer from simply being born into an inhospitable environment.

SOS Galgos Celebrates 20 Years of Service

SPCA International has partnered with SOS Galgos in Spain since 2012. This amazing organization has saved hundreds of Spanish Greyhounds, known as Galgos, over the last 20 years.

The organization was founded in 2000 by Anna Clements and Albert Sordé. They realized that something needed to be done to save 700 Galgos that were living in terrible conditions after the closure of the Barcelona dog race track in 1999.

Since then, the pair has expanded SOS Galgos to include a network of volunteers, foster homes and concerned citizens. They provide educational presentations at local schools and actively work to change the laws surrounding the treatment of Galgos.

Unfortunately, Galgos are considered working dogs by the Spanish government. This means they are excluded from laws that protect other pets.

Each year an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 dogs are killed at the end of hunting season. That’s because it is easier and cheaper for hunters to buy a new dog than to feed and shelter a Galgo between seasons. Only the very best hunters are kept alive from one year to the next.

Most Galgos are kept in filthy and crowded underground spaces. Galgos are fed just enough to survive so they stay hungry for the hunt. They are used for just one or two seasons as hunters, then they are abandoned or killed. Even worse, many dogs are tortured to death by hanging, being buried alive and even being skinned alive. Many hunters believe that dogs who die slow and painful deaths will bring luck in the next year’s hunt.

SOS Galgos has now spent 20 years rescuing Galgos. They provide immediate medical care to treat dogs’ broken bodies and provide food to fill their starving bellies. Then they make sure dogs are trained and socialized by dedicated foster families. Hundreds of Galgos have found safe and loving forever homes thanks to SOS Galgos’ 20 years of dedication.

This year, SPCA International funding will help SOS Galgos co-sponsor a university project to develop a legal framework for the protection of Galgos in Spain.

You can help support the ban of this brutal practice by signing our petition today!

Feeding Stations for the Dogs of Chernobyl

The Dogs of Chernobyl were left abandoned for generations after the 1986 nuclear disaster. But that changed when SPCA International partner organization Clean Futures Fund stepped in 2017.

Hundreds of puppies were being born each year, but most of them died quickly from hunger, thirst, and predators. Since 2017, we have sterilized hundreds of dogs in the area and the birth rate has dropped significantly. Now, dogs are living healthier and longer.

In 2019, we learned that many of the workers who had been feeding the dogs on a daily basis would not be returning to the plant. So, since September 2019, Clean Futures Fund has been making daily rounds to distribute food to the 700+ dogs in the Nuclear Exclusion Zone.

Regular feeding locations are in areas where dogs congregate. The feeding stations are also in areas with humans. This means there are fewer predators threatening the safety of the dogs. For now, food is simply being distributed in small piles on the ground, but dogs are looking healthy.

Consistent feeding at known locations is helping the dogs build trust in humans. It gives Clean Futures Fund representatives the chance to treat injured dogs and monitor dogs that are pregnant.

In 2020, SPCA International and Clean Futures Fund have big plans to make the feeding stations even better. We are working with the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Exclusion Zone Management Agency to install sturdy feeding troughs and solar-powered water stations that will keep water from freezing.

Saving Wildfire Victims

As you know there has been an overwhelming amount of heartbreak over the last month in Australia. But we are working with partners on the ground to rescue and rehabilitate any animals we can find in need of help. Hundreds of Joeys have been left orphaned — we believe their mothers fled for their lives and most likely perished in the bushfires. Many of the orphaned Joeys are found starving and dehydrated with badly burned paws.

Yet through the devastation, we are seeing hope. Rescues like Clover, in the video above, are helping us to stay positive. To see that we can make a difference even in the wake of such destruction, gives us hope. We want Clover to give you hope too and we want you to know that we are not done here. SPCA International will be unwavering in our support of the rescuers working tirelessly to save and care for animals like Clover.

Ice Melt and Antifreeze

Dear Emma,

I live in the Midwest and we see a lot of snow and ice during the winter. I have 2 dogs who love to be outside, but I’ve heard that ice melt isn’t pet-friendly. Is there a safe way I can de-ice my driveway? – Marcia L.

Ice melt and snow go hand in hand. It helps keep our sidewalks and driveways free and clear of ice but it isn’t always nice to our furry friends. Technically there is no 100% pet-safe ice melt, there are some that are safer than others but they all carry some risk. Even “pet-safe” ice-melts can cause GI upset or irritate your pet’s skin. The safest ice-melt to use in a household with pets is one that has a propylene glycol base, however, you should still take precautions when your pet is around ice-melt. You can protect your pet’s feet with booties during the winter months. If your pet is bootie adverse like mine is, then pet wax like Musher’s Secret can help protect their paws, and make sure to clean their feet off once they’re back inside. Of course, you should not allow your pet to ingest ice-melt, contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect they might have, even the “pet-safe” kind.

Dear Emma,

My sister told me I shouldn’t use antifreeze because I have cats and it could kill them. I live in Michigan, so I need to use it. How toxic can it really be? – Janice H.

Antifreeze is incredibly toxic and one of the most common poisonings seen in small animals. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which, even in small doses can be lethal, affecting the brain, liver and kidneys. Antifreeze can taste sweet which makes it inviting to eat for our pets. Signs of poisoning include uncoordinated movement, confusion, depression, vomiting, excessive thirst, excessive urination, diarrhea, increased heart rate, weakness and seizures.

If you have to use antifreeze in your home follow these simple steps.

  • Keep antifreeze containers tightly closed and stored out of the reach
  • Clean any spills immediately.
  • Dispose of used antifreeze containers properly.
  • Check the radiator of your car regularly, and repair leaks immediately.
  • Do not allow your dog to wander unattended where there is access to antifreeze (e.g., roads, gutters, garages, and driveways).

Additionally, the FDA has labeled propylene glycol safe and it is now used for antifreeze, look for antifreeze with this ingredient instead of ethylene glycol. As always if you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, even if it not showing any symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.