Natural disasters cause immense suffering for animals, and improved disaster preparedness and response saves lives while preventing prolonged suffering.
Disasters create acute animal welfare crises through direct physical harm and through disruption of care systems that animals depend on. Animals who survive initial disaster events may suffer for extended periods from injuries, dehydration, starvation, and exposure if rescue is delayed. The psychological trauma of disaster - the loss of familiar environments, separation from bonded companions, and exposure to terrifying stimuli - adds to the welfare burden. For livestock, disasters can cause catastrophic mass mortality events and survivors may face prolonged suffering if infrastructure for their care is destroyed. Preparedness planning that includes animals significantly reduces suffering when disasters strike, and the post-Katrina improvements in disaster response have demonstrably improved outcomes for animals in subsequent events.