In the aftermath of Venezuela's devastating earthquakes that struck one month ago, hundreds of animals are waiting to be reunited with their owners or find a new home. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, which occurred on June 24, left over 5,000 people dead, 23,000 homeless, and 17,000 injured in the worst-hit state of La Guaira. Along with the human tragedy, the quakes also displaced numerous pets, including cats, dogs, turtles, and even a goat.
Heartbroken Owners Search for Lost Pets
Survivors, already grieving the loss of loved ones, are now desperately searching for their pets in animal shelters that have emerged around La Guaira. Raquel Ramos, a 42-year-old woman, has been searching for her cat Mia since the earthquakes. 'When the earthquake happened, we ran out and she stayed behind. I haven't been able to find her since that day,' Ramos said, teary-eyed as she looked at a photo of Mia on her phone.
Shelters Offer Hope and New Beginnings
State-run shelters in La Guaira have taken in 326 pets, with around 50 already adopted. In one shelter, dogs play in an open space while cats lounge around in cages. Teenage volunteer Astrid Ugas planned to adopt a cat to keep her own cat company after its partner disappeared during the earthquakes. 'I want to help everyone who needs it,' Ugas said.
Amid the rubble, a rescue team found a cat alive almost a month after the disaster, sparking hope for other lost pets. The small black feline was discovered in a decimated area where several high-rise buildings had collapsed. Veterinary student and volunteer Yanier Veliz noted that the shelter has been treating 50 animals a day, including dogs, cats, turtles, and even a goat.
Reunions at the shelters have been emotional, with many people finding their furry friends. 'The reunions have been very emotional. Everyone ends up crying,' said veterinary student Amanda Gonzalez. 'These are animals they might have considered gone, and when they see that they're here, they're happy and so are we.'
