American Humane, a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare, just launched a “Feed the Hungry” fund to care for the reported thousands of animals displaced due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a press release, Robin Ganzert, the president and CEO of American Humane, explained that “unfounded fears of CV-19 transmission tempted some to abandon their animals.” Ganzert also noted that the cancellation of popular events like adoption drives could result in fewer animals being taken home, which could lead to increases in euthanasia, animal abuse and neglect.
The fund was established due to an “overwhelming” amount of calls for support from shelters and animal first responders across the U.S. The money generated from donations to the fund will go toward resources that shelters need to continue operating, including assisting with facility bills and helping supply animals with food and medical equipment.
Donations can be made ranging from $25 to $1,000, as well as the option for a customized amount.
“We must take action to ensure organizations that are housing animals left by the wayside during this sweeping pandemic have the basic resources needed to ensure the safe and humane treatment of animals in their care. To stand by and do nothing during this time is unconscionable,” Ganzert stated.
READ MORE OF OUR BREAKING NEWS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
YOUR PHONE CAN TELL YOU HOW WELL PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY ARE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING
CAN LYSOL OR CLOROX KILL THE CORONAVIRUS?
IS CORONAVIRUS MORE FATAL TO MEN THAN WOMEN?
CAN YOU GET CORONAVIRUS TWICE?
While anxieties over their own health are definitely on peoples’ minds during this time, the welfare of animals seems to be too. Animal adoptions have reportedly been surging in highly affected cities like New York City and Los Angeles. One rationale behind the spike in animal adoptions could be due to the quarantine and stay-at-home orders occurring across the U.S.
Best Friends Animal Society, another national animal welfare organization, is also accepting donations and fostering efforts for pets affected by the coronavirus, despite reporting a recent jump in adoptions.
Julie Castle, the chief executive officer of Best Friends, told Bloomberg that they are “seeing people show up in droves to foster.”
SEE MORE ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IN THE US
WHY THE US IS LOOKING LIKE THE NEXT EPICENTER OF THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC
WHO IS DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, AMERICA’S TOP CORONAVIRUS FIGHTER?
MORE THAN 100,000 PEOPLE HAVE RECOVERED FROM THE CORONAVIRUS
HERE ARE THE BEST MAPS TO CHECK OUT THE CURRENT STATE OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
