OIPA’s volunteers and animal control officers have been working for days in extreme conditions to rescue animals, victims as humans of the severe flooding that hit Marche region in Central Italy last week. A relevant number of animals were trapped in the river or stuck frightened in the mud, but thanks to the prompt intervention of volunteers and citizens most of them survived and received veterinary care and assistance. Sadly, many owned dogs died from being left tethered on chains or locked in cages during the weather warning.

OIPA and other local associations helped evacuate dogs and cats from a shelter in the small town of Senigallia that was badly devastated as built on a high risk flood zone. Unfortunately, two cats died and some dogs got injured, but all the others included animals with disabilities, have been temporary transferred to other shelters or boarded out with volunteers or good hearted people rushed on site.

Volunteers are now helping families with pets who have lost everything and they are assisting with the reconstruction of the shelter.

If you want to help, make a donation specifying “OIPA Italy – Flood”