Animals in conflict zones and disaster areas suffer from abandonment, injury, starvation, and lack of veterinary care, with growing international efforts to include them in emergency response.
Key Facts
Millions of companion and livestock animals are abandoned or killed in conflict zones annually
The One Health approach increasingly recognises animal welfare in humanitarian contexts
WSPA and other organisations have developed emergency response protocols for animals
Livestock loss in disasters devastates rural communities and causes prolonged animal suffering
Reunification of people with pets reduces human psychological trauma in disaster response
Welfare Considerations
Animals suffer intensely in conflicts and disasters. Including them in emergency planning and response is both ethical and practically important for community recovery.
What You Can Do
Support organisations providing animal rescue in conflict and disaster zones
Advocate for inclusion of animal welfare in national disaster preparedness planning
Donate to emergency animal response organisations when disasters occur
Learn how to prepare pets and livestock for emergency evacuation