Earthquake Emergency Relief/Search and Rescue

In addition to providing aid for families who were affected by Morocco’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake on September 8, Peace Winds is working with Morocco Animal Aid (MAA) to support the animals who have been left homeless by the disaster. MAA is housing 500 animals across five shelters, caring for dogs and cats as well as abandoned livestock animals like horses and donkeys. The main shelter includes a health center for animals who are critically ill, and this has been an invaluable asset for protecting vulnerable pets in the aftermath of the earthquake. 

Staff members and volunteers have been patrolling the mountainous, earthquake-devastated areas to feed and rescue homeless animals. Many people evacuated their homes here when the disaster struck, leaving their pets behind. In addition to cats and dogs, this includes work animals such as donkeys, horses, goats, and pigs. In some cases, even people who did survive the earthquake unharmed have abandoned their pets because they can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

MAA came across one dog in particular several days after the earthquake who was alone in Imi N'tala, one of the hardest-hit mountain villages. The dog, now called Tara, allowed rescuers to pick him up and carry him to the car, and he watched out the window calmly for his entire ride to the shelter. An adopter from the UAE has been found for Tara, and as soon as he is neutered and vaccinated, he will begin life with his new family. 

Peace Winds will continue to support recovery for vulnerable families and their animals displaced by Morocco’s earthquake. We are grateful for the support of our donors which makes our work possible.