Animal welfare charities unite to help creature casualties of Hungary’s toxic spill
Several UK animal welfare charities have joined forces this week to help domestic animals and livestock affected by the devastating toxic spill in Hungary.
WSPA, Dogs Trust, RSPCA International and the Worldwide Veterinary Service are sending vital veterinary equipment to help a Hungarian animal welfare charity, Rex Animal Island, in its desperate bid to rescue the hundreds of poisoned and injured dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife.
Animals were the unsuspecting victims of Hungary’s toxic sludge deluge that burst through reservoir walls on 4th October 2010. A staggering 184 million gallons of toxic aluminium waste streamed through villages into the river Danube claiming hundreds of casualties both human and animal. Working conditions for rescuers are very difficult and dedicated carers are driving daily 200 mile round trips to transport animals to safety.
David Newall, International Director of Dogs Trust explains:
“Rex Animal Island have unexpectedly found themselves in a state of crisis and they simply do not have the resources to care for the huge number of sick and wounded animals. The sludge from the spill is highly toxic and veterinary staff urgently need more supplies to treat animals’ burns.
By providing vital aid and emergency veterinary equipment we hope that as many animals as possible can be saved from this terrible disaster.”
The charities are now working together to develop a sustainable international aid plan that can be used in the future.