The storm, which has already claimed hundreds of lives, has also likely caused the deaths of thousands of animals.
This past weekend, Hurricane Helene—a powerful Category 4 storm—wreaked havoc along the East Coast of the US, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm, which has already claimed hundreds of lives, has also likely caused the deaths of thousands of animals. While the human toll is staggering, the silent victims—animals, many of whom had no chance of escape—are often overlooked.
For those on the ground, including emergency responders, volunteers, and animal rescue organizations, the aftermath of Helene is a familiar nightmare. Animals caught in the fury of the storm, especially farmed animals, have little to no chance of survival when abandoned in cages or confined to industrial sheds. Factory farms, in particular, have become a tragic scene of mass casualties as floods and high winds tore through the rural areas where many of these facilities are located.
The Death Toll Among Animals
While the full scope of animal deaths from Hurricane Helene is still unknown, early reports suggest it could mirror the tragic losses seen during Hurricane Florence in 2018. Florence claimed the lives of 3.4 million chickens and turkeys, along with over 5,500 pigs. These animals were left behind in factory farms, unable to escape rising floodwaters or structural collapses.
Factory farming facilities, notorious for confining thousands of animals in cramped, often windowless sheds, are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters. When flooding hits or winds batter these large, poorly constructed buildings, the animals inside have no chance of survival. Evacuations for farmed animals, especially on the scale needed for industrial farming operations, are rarely part of emergency plans. As a result, millions of animals are left to suffer and perish in conditions that could have been prevented.
The Human-Animal Connection in Disaster Relief
Thankfully, World Animal Protection US is stepping in to help. Partnering with organizations like Ziggy’s Refuge, Flying Pigs Sanctuary, and Asheville Humane Society, we are providing immediate relief to animals affected by the storm. These partnerships are critical, as they allow for rapid response and coordination to rescue and care for animals in desperate need.
However, the response extends beyond immediate relief. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has once again drawn attention to the broader issue of factory farming and the risks it poses—not just to animals but also to humans and the environment.
Factory Farming’s Role in Climate Disasters
Factory farming is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to climate change. The emissions generated from these large-scale industrial operations, combined with the deforestation and land-use changes associated with feed production, have intensified global warming, which, in turn, increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like hurricanes.
As we’ve seen with Helene, factory farms also pose a direct threat during these climate disasters. Not only are millions of animals left to die, but the aftermath of their deaths has environmental consequences as well. The mass drowning of pigs, for instance, can lead to contamination of water sources, while the decay of animal carcasses can spread disease and exacerbate public health concerns.
This is why World Animal Protection US is not only focused on immediate rescue operations but also on advocating for long-term systemic change. Factory farming’s role in climate disasters cannot be ignored, and we must push for more humane and sustainable farming practices that account for both animal and environmental health.
How You Can Help
In response to this crisis, World Animal Protection US has activated its Disaster Response Fund, which supports animal rescue operations and provides critical aid to animals affected by natural disasters. Our fund builds on our 70-year legacy of protecting animals during times of crisis. Through your generous donations, we can continue to support our partners on the ground as they rescue animals from Hurricane Helene’s aftermath and work toward long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies.
Every dollar donated helps provide food, water, medical care, and shelter to animals in need. With your support, we can continue to advocate for animals, hold factory farms accountable, and push for a future where all beings are treated with dignity and compassion—even in the face of disaster.
Please consider donating today to help us save lives. Together, we can make a difference for animals in need.
*Photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / WeAnimals Media. The photo is from a previous hurricane and is for illustrative purposes only.