4 October 2010 Red sludge catastrophe. As you read these lines I am sure pictures of the tragedy flash up one after another…

NOÉ Animal Shelter Foundation got green light for the rescue on Wednesday together with other animal protection organisations. That morning 15 volunteers with 6 cars headed to the unknown with hopes.
Dismay, pain and hopelessness– Workers of NOÉ Animal Shelter Foundation faced this, when they arrived to the places struck by the catastrophe.





Our first stop was Devecser, the sight cramped everyone, all this seemed distant, surreal in the news.

Masked, armed police, disaster managers and soldiers everywhere as if we were in a military zone.



After receiving the chemical protection suits – for the sake of more effective rescue - the team split into two and then the racing against the time started.



While searching for survivors we went further and further into the streets affected by the catastrophe. The destruction was indescribable, astonishing. Cars on top of each other, we could see the destruction up to 1-2 metres on the walls of houses, traces of the red sludge. Broken everyday people who have lost everything were standing helplessly, despairingly in front of their properties.







We tried to concentrate on the rescue of the animals with clutched stomach and heavy heart. We went after all notifications, we searched for the animals in ankle deep sludge.





That day we rescued 8 dogs, 3 cats, poultry and a turtle.

Even the most trained animal protectors cried at those goodbyes where the owners gave up their loved ones in final desperation, providing safe future for them at least.

On Thursday we rescued further 11 cats, one of them is still in life-threatening state, and most of the cats require treatment.

Almost all of the rescued animals of the sludge catastrophe are injured, require daily, regular and continuous care; the conditions of that can be fully provided by our animal shelter. Keeping in mind that we continuously rescue animals from the affected area, the biggest help would be the temporary adoption of a healthy animal, and with that providing space for another desperate, injured dog or cat.
















You can get information on temporary cat adoption at macskamentes@noeallatotthon.hu

We gratefully accept dry and canned cat food, Tobrex eye drops, gel; Betadine, cotton wool, Neogranormon, clean materials, towels, sheets.

Thank you for your help