COLOMBIA IN FLAMES: HELP ANIMALS AFFECTED BY THE WILDFIRES
More than 22,000 hectares have been affected by devastating wildfires in Tolima. Animals living in rural communities urgently need food, water and veterinary care. Help OIPA’s member league Fundación Colombia Choca la Pata reach them.
Throughout August 2026, relentless wildfires have swept across the department of Tolima, burning forests, farmland and vast rural areas.
The scale of the disaster forced the departmental government to declare a state of public calamity.
Satellite analysis has identified more than 22,000 hectares of vegetation affected across 28 municipalities, with Ortega, San Luis, Guamo, Coyaima, Chaparral and Coello among the worst-hit areas.
Behind these numbers lies a devastating reality.
The fires have destroyed natural habitats, pastures, crops and food reserves on which animals and rural communities depend. In some areas, families have lost the resources they need to continue feeding and caring for their animals.
ANIMALS NEED HELP EVEN AFTER THE FLAMES ARE EXTINGUISHED
The destruction left behind by the flames can mean no pasture, no stored food, limited access to clean water and no veterinary assistance.
Dogs living with vulnerable rural families, community dogs, cats and displaced animals may be left without the basic resources they need to survive. Cattle, horses, pigs and other farm animals are also at risk as grazing land and animal food supplies disappear.
The consequences of this emergency will continue long after the last fires have been extinguished.
What is already clear is that help is urgently needed.
AN EMERGENCY TEAM IS PREPARING TO REACH THEM
From 2 to 4 September 2026, OIPA’s member league Fundación Colombia Choca la Pata will deploy an emergency team to Tolima to bring direct assistance to animals in affected rural communities.
Veterinary professionals, members of the Foundation and volunteers will travel with food, medicines and essential animal-care supplies.
The mission is expected to prioritize communities in and around:
- San Luis;
- Guamo;
- Coello;
- Guaimaral;
- Other affected rural areas identified as urgent upon arrival.
The team’s priority is clear: ensure that assistance reaches the animals directly.
WHAT THE EMERGENCY TEAM WILL DO
According to the needs identified in each community, the team will:
- Distribute food for dogs and cats;
- Provide feed, hay and forage for cattle, horses, pigs and other animals;
- Supply mineralized salt for livestock where necessary;
- Carry out general veterinary assessments;
- Provide basic wound care and medicines;
- Administer deworming and flea and tick treatments;
- Offer supportive veterinary treatment;
- Help provide access to water and essential animal-care supplies;
- Identify animals requiring hospitalization or more complex treatment;
- Coordinate referrals and continued veterinary care for serious cases.
The Foundation will work with local caregivers, veterinary professionals and partner organizations to ensure that the most serious cases are not abandoned once the initial intervention ends.
HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP
All funds raised through this emergency appeal will be used exclusively to assist animals affected by the Tolima wildfires and to support the field mission and subsequent follow-up activities.
Donations will help cover:
Animal food: dog and cat food, livestock feed, hay and other forage;
Veterinary medicines and supplies: wound-care materials, antiparasitic treatments and other essential products;
Veterinary assistance: professional assessments, treatment and follow-up;
Emergency supplies: water containers, feeding bowls and other items directly related to animal care;
Transport and field logistics: delivery of food, medicines and veterinary equipment to remote rural communities;
Follow-up of serious cases: continued treatment for animals requiring additional care after the mission.
