Flood 2024. A horse in the swollen Odra River. The police helped the animal

Police officers at the border crossing with Czechs they noticed a horse in the water, which was trying to get out of it unsuccessfully. “At one point the animal swam closer to the embankment on the Polish side. The policemen ran along the embankment towards the horse, took advantage of the moment and grabbed the reins. Thanks to this, the horse was able to stand on the bank on its own and get out of the water,” the Racibórz police department reported. Nothing happened to the animal. It turned out that it came from a Czech breeding farm. The horse was returned to its owner shortly after the action. It was taken to the stable.

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In recent days, the water level in the Odra at the measuring point in Chałupki remained above the alarm level of 420 cm. It was exceeded on Saturday around noon. Since then, it has risen to over 700 cm. On Sunday around noon, it approached the tops of the embankments. Since then, the water has been falling very slowly. On Monday, early afternoon, its level was 690 cm.

Due to the flood and the need to evacuate residents, animal welfare organizations and services have appealed not to leave their animals to their fate, because they have no chance of survival in a clash with the elements. They are calling for dogs to be freed from chains and kennels, and for farm animals to be released. The need for intervention can be reported to many organizations.

Warsaw Spokesperson city ​​guard Senior Inspector Sławomir Smyk appealed on Monday to contact the appropriate services when we see an animal that needs evacuation and that we are unable to help ourselves. He added to remember that animals are guided by instinct and may react differently to attempts to save them. – Unless it concerns freeing the animal – he emphasized. He added that if the animal's life is in danger, it is enough to free it.

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– It should be noted that most animals are very good swimmers, so they can handle water. Of course, provided they are free and not tied up – he pointed out. He added that when we know that a flood may come, we should not tie animals to any elements of the house infrastructure at all. – These animals should be free – he stressed.

He pointed out that actions should be planned and taken in advance, including evacuating animals from places that may be flooded. – First of all, you need to find a suitable place, it can be a nearby building that is tall, but only when we are sure that the water will not reach the upper floors – he added.

He also pointed out that it is necessary to provide means of transport, such as bird cages and carriers for small animals. Take care of a supply of food and drinking water. On Monday, the Government Security Centre warned against contact with flood water, which may contain dangerous pathogens and chemicals. The warning was given to residents of the Lower Silesia, Opole and Silesian provinces. It was noted that if animals had contact with such water, a veterinarian should be consulted. “It may be necessary to examine them and administer appropriate preventive medications,” the RCB added.

The spokesman for the Warsaw City Guard, Senior Inspector Sławomir Smyk, also noted that in case the animal goes missing, the collar should have an identifier. Microchipping the animal will certainly make it easier for the services to identify it.

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Animal welfare organizations are appealing, among others, on social media, not to forget about animals when evacuating. “Don't leave them to the elements! Tell your neighbors to take the chains off their dogs, take them out of their kennels and evacuate them as well,” emphasized the Animal Protection Association Ekostraż from Wrocław.

It was also appealed not to wait if you find a hypothermic hedgehog, other small mammal or bird. “Secure it in a box, put a bottle of warm water wrapped in a towel inside, take the box with you and contact the nearest center,” Ekostraż added.

The association pointed out that the water is flooding not only houses, but also shelters and animal rehabilitation centers. “In Głuchołazy, a dog sought shelter on a temporary bridge… Both the bridge and the dog were carried away by the water. The dog had remnants of a chain around its neck…” – wrote Ekostraż. It concerns a German Shepherd, whose photos were circulated in the media. Surrounded by rushing water, the dog tried to climb onto pieces of concrete. As Miejski Reporter reported on Facebook, the animal was saved. “He is very tired, he fought for his life for many hours. Bravo to the rescuers!” – we read in the caption of the photo of the shepherd lying on the staircase.

“Many other domestic and farm animals were not so lucky. Trapped in pens, chained or tied, they have no chance of escape” – noted the Viva! International Animal Movement Foundation. “In connection with the crisis situation in southwestern Poland, we appeal: let's take care of animals too! We know that this is a tragic situation for people, but we cannot forget about animals – as carers, we are responsible for them” – emphasized the foundation.

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Animal rights activists appeal to notify local services or organizations when you see a trapped animal. They emphasize that farm animals should not be left locked up either. “Open utility rooms – do not leave animals trapped or tethered,” they emphasize.

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