WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, March 4, 2021 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that Global Strays received a grant from American Humane’s Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund. Global Strays, headquartered in New York City, aims to reduce the suffering of animals in impoverished regions in Latin America.
“Animals have a special place in my heart, and I am saddened to see so many being abandoned and left hungry as a result of this sweeping COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jean Shafiroff, national spokesperson for American Humane’s Feed the Hungry campaign and renowned philanthropist. “We must ensure that rescue organizations have the basic resources necessary to care for these defenseless animals who are in dire need of a forever home.”
Like every other business or organization in America, rescues and shelters are struggling to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents in the face of the current worldwide pandemic. Thousands of animals are being left without homes and facilities are in desperate need of general supplies. Detrimental natural disasters further heightened the situation. In response to the overwhelming number of calls received from animal rescuers, shelters and first responders, American Humane launched the Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund to feed and care for animals who have been abandoned during the coronavirus crisis. The fund seeks to raise much-needed resources to help shelters and rescue organizations that are not only struggling to keep the lights on, but also to keep critical supplies like food stocked.
Global Strays is an international animal welfare organization that funds animal shelters and creates longstanding partnerships to bring services directly into communities in Latin America, to increase the well-being of animals and families alike. Elizabeth Shafiroff, president of Global Strays, envisions a world where there are no stray animals but, instead, all animals are well cared for and in loving homes. Its services include spay and neuter clinics, veterinary care clinics, educational clinics, stray sterilization, working horse clinics as well as providing general funds for the monthly upkeep of animals. In 2020, the organization provided 8,356 animals with veterinary care and/or preventative treatment. 1,717 animals were spayed or neutered and 670 animals were vaccinated. 3,312 animals received a one-month supply of food.
One woman who received funds was Diana Acosta from Usme, Colombia. She has 10 dogs she rescued from the street and also provides food for five other stray dogs. Because of the pandemic, she lost her job and was struggling to feed the animals. The critical donation from Global Strays helped her feed and take care of the 15 dogs.
The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund will support Global Strays in its effort to help even more animals and people in Latin America.
To help shelters continue to save lives during this unprecedented crisis, consider donating today. Learn more at www.americanhumane.org/feedthehungry.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
