While other rescue and relief organizations are working around the clock to help Hurricane Rita’s human victims, Jason Baker is working to save pets abandoned in the storm’s fury.
Baker is the director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for the Asia-Pacific region and is based in Manila.
When in Manila, Baker is busy coordinating demonstrations and photo shoots with celebrities.
Last week, however, he braved the flooded streets of New Orleans to lead PETA’s animal rescue team, which saved abandoned animals that would otherwise have died of starvation and dehydration.
The PETA rescue squad broke down doors, crawled through filth, waded through noxious floodwaters and coaxed terrified animals to safety.
The first animal rescue team arrived in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans on Sept. 8. Since then, the PETA rescuers worked with federal, state and local officials to rescue over 300 cats, dogs, birds and other animals.
They have also helped feed, water, walk and care for thousands of other animals abandoned as their masters fled from the hurricane’s fury.
Two days before returning to Asia, Baker drove 32 rescued dogs over 1,000 miles to the PETA headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, where they are being fostered by PETA staffers and volunteers in the hope that if their families cannot be located, permanent placement will be found for these dogs.
"It’s hot, dirty, grueling work," Baker said of the rescue effort, "but it’s worth it every time we find a dog or cat still clinging to life."
"These animals desperately need rescue for their own sake, as well as for the sake of the anguished people who were, at times, forced to choose between taking lifesaving medicine and taking beloved companions," he added.