Data on the number of domestic animals rescued during the L'Aquila earthquake on the 6 th April 2009 were released at a recent international conference entitled Vets in Emergencies at Montesilvano , Pescara (Abruzzo).

900 dogs and 330 cats were saved from the ruins by a team of vets working on the spot. 800 veterinary operations were carried out and a total 3,800 treatments of various kinds. 160 dogs and 150 cats were happily returned to their owners. 470 of the dogs left orphans have subsequently been adopted and 130 cats have found new homes.  Funding for the entire operation of 200,000 was used to buy food and shelters, the sterilization of animals in heat and the application of microchips so that the animals can be traced and identified. Medicines were donated by pharmaceutical compagnies.