A refuge in Chibougamau has decided to open its doors for free to the animals of those who have been evacuated due to the forest fires near Chapais.
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In an emergency, several owners had to find a solution to ensure the well-being of their legged companions. Some of them, who had nowhere to go with their pets, even slept in their cars in over 25 degrees on the thermometer.
Photo Vincent Desbiens Le Journal de Quebec
“We want to offer them the possibility of living through this big crisis without having to rack their brains with their animals,” explains the owner and manager of the refuge Le monde parallel, Joanie Rousson.
Photo Vincent Desbiens Le Journal de Quebec
She and her team have added around 30 places for residents with the help of the population of the region. Several citizens responded to the shelter’s call asking for help in finding additional cages.
“We did our best to adapt the environment because we were already overcrowded with our own residents. […] We have freed up rooms and we are collaborating with other actors in the field to maximize the available spaces.
Common Sensitivity
In the eyes of M.me Rousson, it would have been inconceivable to leave the evacuees caught off guard to fend for themselves.
Photo Vincent Desbiens Le Journal de Quebec
“The important thing for us is to ensure the welfare of the animals in this difficult situation. I think that all those who are sensitive to this cause have responded and allowed us to be ready for any eventuality by lending us equipment, ”says Joanie Rousson.
barnyard
When The newspaper spoke with her on Friday morning, the owner of the shelter The parallel world counted animals of all kinds among its residents. She says she has received requests for dogs, cats, but also hamsters, rabbits or even chickens.
“No matter what animal it is, we are equipped to meet all their needs. We managed to make a little place for the chickens too!”
evacuation mission
The lover of small furry or feathered animals also offered to help set up an evacuation mission for animals that had to be left behind by their owners.
“We have all the equipment you need to pick up animals that are in danger if the need arises. For the moment, the authorities have told us that it was not necessary, but we will be ready in case,” concludes Joanie Rousson.