Trinidad and Tobago vets to help affected St Vincent animals

LOCAL animal lovers can now donate items to be sent to St Vincent and the Grenadines for animals affected by the volcano's eruption, through the Trinidad and Tobago Veterinary Association (TTVA).

Many animals have been left behind on the island owing to the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, and stray animals are at a higher risk of harm than usual.

An evacuation order was issued on Thursday for those in the red zone in the northern part of the island. The volcano erupted three times on Friday, and activity has been increasing since then.

The Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), in a Facebook post, said, “We’re getting many reports that people who have fled have left their animals tied to protect their homes.”

Photos from Vincentian media houses have shown stray animals partially coated in ash from the volcano.

In addition to the TT Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA), the TTVA is also stepping in.

In a Facebook post, it asked the public to donate items including wet and dry food for dogs and cats, muzzles, carriers, bottled water, collars and chains, cat litter, bleach or disinfectant, sugar cane or corn, masks and bandages.

Drop-off points:

Iere Pets Veterinary Clinic and Pet Store in Tumpuna Rd, ArimaWhiskers and Tails Veterinary clinic, Harris Village, South Oropuche

Pet Life Veterinary Hospital, St Joseph, San FernandoCompassionate Care Veterinary Clinic, Bonne Aventure Road, GasparilloSunnyview Vetcare Services, Dangerous Corner, Diego MartinPet Life Veterinary Hospital, St Lucien Road, Diego Martin