CIHS President Carolyn Parker and her dogs ‘Baby and Bruno’

The Cayman Islands Humane Society (CIHS) said it “jumped in to action” the minute it learnt of the devastating effects of Hurricane Paloma on Cayman Brac.

“If people were without food and water it stood to reason their pets too would be without,” the Humane Society said.

“The cat, dog and bird food is purchased at Cost-U-Less for a discounted price to aid the Charity’s relief effort and transported via Cayman Airways Cargo who ensure all deliveries are flown over as quickly as possible.”

To avoid owners facing the dilemma of surrendering their pets, the Humane Society immediately contacted Karen Fraser of the Brac Humane Society Branch and sent food and supplies over on the first two boats that landed on the Brac.

Ms Fraser had opened the Noah’s Ark Pet Hurricane Shelter on Cayman Brac for an extended period of time to house animals, but their owners retrieved them shortly after the all-clear was given by the authorities.

“The community here in Grand Cayman has really pulled together to help the pets and wildlife on Cayman Brac,” said CIHS President Carolyn Parker.

“St Matthew’s Vet School is collecting money to help with food purchases and we have co-ordinated with the Wildlife Rescue group for the supply of wild bird food too.”

Volunteers on the Brac are distributing the food to pet owners, and a donated refrigerator enables essential animal medical supplies to be stored at the Noah’s Ark Pet Hurricane Shelter. The shelter built by the Brac Humane Society has withstood two hurricanes without any damage.

“The Brac residents have enough worries with rebuilding their homes and community, the last thing they need to fret about is how they are going to feed their pets, so we are trying as best we can to alleviate at least one of their concerns,” Ms Parker added.

The Humane Society said the deliveries would continue to the Brac, while further assistance is sought from international welfare organisations. The Society is asking for donations towards the Paloma Pet Relief to be dropped off at the Humane Society Animal Shelter on North Sound Road. Please call 345-949-1461 for details.