In an effort to address the needs of animals in Puerto Rico, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló has signed an extension of the executive order signed in October 2017, enabling The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to continue their disaster relief work in the Commonwealth.
Since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, The HSUS, HSI and their partners have worked extensively to provide veterinary care to animals affected by the storm and its aftermath, including holding mass spay/neuter and equine clinics, providing animal food and enrichment supplies, as well as supporting the residents of Puerto Rico.
The extension authorizes The HSUS, HSI, and their agents, representatives and partners to continue to provide care, transport, and veterinary animal health assistance to all animals impacted by the emergency and disaster situation for an additional 18-month period.
“During this critical time of recovery and rebuilding, the people and Government of Puerto Rico are grateful to The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International for their unwavering commitment to caring for thousands of animals and their owners affected by Hurricane Maria,” said Rosselló.
Three years ago, The HSUS and HSI launched a comprehensive animal welfare program, Humane Puerto Rico, and expanded programs and partnerships with many stakeholders in the Commonwealth. This disaster response work is a crisis-driven expansion of that program.
“We are committed more than ever to helping the people and animals of Puerto Rico,” said Kitty Block, acting president and CEO of The HSUS and president of HSI. “But the crisis in Puerto Rico is so extreme and severe that it requires all of us in our nation to rally.”
For information on supporting Humane Puerto Rico visit humanesociety.org/HumanePuertoRico.
February 13, 2018
Media Contact: Thaisi Da Silva: 202-578-6767, tdasilva@humanesociety.org