Storm damages animal shelter “Ķepu ķepā” in Jelgava municipality

The animal shelter “Ķepu ķepā”, located in Salgale parish, Jelgava municipality, has reported storm damage on social media. Staff said that a full 24 hours after the storm began, the shelter still has no electricity, phone connection or internet. Thanks to their own generator, however, they have managed to keep clean drinking water available for the animals.

Staff thanked colleagues, friends, neighbours and former co-workers who came to help as soon as they learned of the damage. They stressed that thanks to prior preparation, none of the animals at the shelter were harmed by the storm.

Roof damaged, road blocked

The worst damage was to the dog quarantine building, whose roof will need to be fully replaced. Fallen trees on the grounds will also need to be sawed and split for some time to come.

Damage also affected Vilkupērāji road, where uprooted trees tore away part of the road surface with their roots. Despite this, entering and leaving the shelter remains possible, though drivers are urged to take extra care.

Calls for support

The shelter hopes electricity and communications will be restored soon. In the meantime, staff are asking anyone able to help to do so — either with physical labour starting at 11:00, or through financial donations to repair the building's roof, the enclosure fencing, and the rest of the grounds. Donations can be sent to the association “Dzīvnieku aizsardzības biedrība Ķepu ķepā” via bank transfer or PayPal.