MEXICO CITY—To promote a culture of prevention among Mexico City residents, government and civic organizations joined forces to organize an earthquake drill with companion animals on Saturday near Los Venados park in the Benito Juárez district of Mexico City.
The event was coordinated by several organizations, including Humane Society International/Mexico, the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, the General Directorate for Civil Protection, the Mexico City Environmental and Territorial Planning Agency, the Animal Brigade of Mexico City Police, the Mexico City Animal Protection Agency, the Benito Juárez Civil Protection Unit, the UNAM’s Search and Rescue Canine Unit, the Citizens’ Council, the Letrán Valle Neighbors’ Committee, the Let’s Help Mexico platform, Mascotas Sismo, and CEVA Animal Health.
Give now to support our lifesaving work.
“We are very pleased by the positive response the drill has elicited. This reflects the work we have been doing with local authorities and civic organizations to promote a culture of prevention and to inform citizens as to what measures to take with their companion animals in the event of an earthquake. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event,” said HSI/Mexico Programs Director Dr. Claudia Edwards.
The drill provided basic guidelines and tools so that people are prepared to assist and care for their companion animals in an earthquake. It included simulated scenarios with cats and dogs who were either injured or under stress. Staff and volunteers from the organizing groups acted as first responders and were on hand to administer first aid to the animals.
HSI implements prevention and natural disaster response programs that are designed to protect not only humans but their companion animals. In 2017, together with the Let’s Help Mexico platform, HSI provided veterinary assistance for 6,200 animals in areas affected by earthquakes in Mexico last September, and treated more than 900 animals after the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala in June.
Media Contact: Magaly Garibay, (+52 55) 5211 8731, ext. 104, mgaribay@idee.agency