THE world is united in its shock and sadness at the terrible human tragedy following the Asian tsunami disaster.

In the face of such overwhelming human adversity, it is all too easy to forget the animal victims of the crisis; be they valued family companion animals, farm and working animals that communities often depend on for their livelihood, or local wildlife.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals is coordinating animal welfare organisations around the world in an international relief effort to help the animal victims of this disaster.

The first of our trained disaster relief experts has been dispatched to Sri Lanka, while our experienced veterinarians are poised to travel to other affected areas.

In the countries badly hit by this disaster, livestock and working animals can be vital to the lives of rural communities.

Supplies of vital veterinary medicines, food and water, can make the difference between life and death for animals in the aftermath of the disaster. WSPA's relief team will be paying particular attention to providing this support.

Helping animals has a real impact on the long-term process of people rebuilding their shattered lives, particularly in farming communities.

MAJOR GENERAL P DAVIES CB

Director General

WSPA

14th Floor

89 Albert Embankment

London SE1 7TP

www.wspa-international.org