HELP ANIMALS ON ST MAARTEN!

Hurricane Irma is the fourth hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season 2017. The hurricane is the most powerful since 2005 and had the lowest central pressure recorded since 2007. It is known to be the first category 5 hurricane to hit the Leeward Islands region. Category 5 is the highest category hurricane and is therefore the most destructive.

St. Maarten took the hardest hit of Leeward Islands, the damage of Saba and Saint Eustatius is not as significant as on St. Maarten.

St. Maarten consists of 2 parts: a French part and a part that has been a separate country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 10-10-10, just like Aruba and Curacao. It was also previously part of the Netherlands Antilles.

The Red Cross estimates that 9 of the 10 buildings on St. Maarten are damaged, whereas one third is completely destroyed. There are still approximately 200 people missing and 4 deaths have been reported.

Among the victims are also many animals. Many people who had to evacuate, left their dogs, cats and other animals behind.
According to witnesses there are many deceased animals and the island is beginning to smell. Many horses are also victims.
It’s difficult to get drinking water for the people, let alone for the animals. Due to the tropical climate, water is indispensable. Dogs are being maltreated and even hit by cars when they try to grab some food.
We as an animal aid organization cannot ignore this tragedy for the animals, hence we would like to help.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. In addition to some smaller vessels, the Sea Shepherd has multiple ships.

One of the ships is now on its way to Curaçao, where it will load donated food, water and other necessities to transport to St. Maarten. Rescue Paws Curaçao and I-Animal were honored to be involved with the gathering of food and water as a donation for the animals in need in of St Maarten.

People can donate goods, but can also transfer money instead. With that money we will buy the necessities in Curacao, which will be shipped to St. Maarten.

Mercedes de Windt of Animal Defenders in St. Maarten will coordinate the distribution of the food and water.

For donations please click on PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/rescuepawscuracao

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RescuePawsCuracaoFoundation

St Maarten video credits:
Dick Drayer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8swHK-KgGU&t

Please share this video with all your friends. Together, we can make people more aware of this problem on the island.