casola Valsenio is a town of 2500 inhabitants in the province of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. Affected by floods, today it is surrounded by landslides. Several houses have collapsed and the evacuation and safety measures are underway.
Above all, around 92 km of roads were destroyed around the houses. But people stranded in the mountains have refused evacuation without their animals.
Emilia Romagna. «Without our animals we will not leave»
The solution was found and implemented thanks to the commitment of Lav – Anti Vivisection League. The mayor of the town, in response to the suffering and requests of the population, has in fact decided to do build a temporary kennel in the Pertini park, a 5-minute walk from the gymnasium that houses displaced people. A story told by the video and photos below by Andrea Morabito, LAV reporter.
About 50 dogs that the structure will be able to accommodate once completed: today there are nine animals but a census is underway to understand how many others could arrive shortly. And gradually the structures will be ready, provided by the Municipality, the Civil Protection and the Fire Brigade they will evacuate family groups, including animals. Together.
Emilia Romagna, after the flood. “When we shot the video with Michael’s story, only his dog had arrived at the temporary kennel, while not his two cats, because they still had to be recovered. Today Michael’s cats will finally arrive here and be able to stay near him. Michael will be able to look after them and pamper them as and when he wants »
Solidarity after the misfortune
«We will ensure that correct animal management is implemented, also oriented towards the long term. The evacuated houses will no longer be habitable and families with their dogs may never return», explain from Lav.
«The strength that the citizens of Casola Valsenio are putting in place is incredible, a mutual support never seen before», says Beatrice Rezzaghi, head of the LAV Emergency Unit. “This story is perhaps the most touching faced in these days: a small jewel of human and animal solidarity born by chance, born out of a misfortune but which is blossoming wonderfully”.
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