Nora, Gerry Hill, Bob Skogland,Xenia Mathews
Logistics for the Animals
In 2007 we began our aid to Aniplant in Cuba with shipments
of Ketamine, an injectable animal anesthetic.
This enabled a large increase in the number of animals sterilized by
Aniplant in Cuba. Shipping medicines
into Cuba is legal under the rules of the US embargo against Cuba. US law specifically states that medicines and
medical supplies "shall not be restricted." We interpret this to mean they shall not be
prohibited, taxed or licensed, all of which are restrictions on commerce. Of course rules regulating the handling of
controlled drugs still apply.
But more recently, as we considered ways we can help Cuban
animals, we realized that Aniplant needs lots of vet meds and shelter supplies
that are not controlled. These items are
easy to buy in the US and can be shipped to Cuba in accordance with the above
provision of the embargo. In a
conversation with Bob Skogland, a TAP director and Vice President, we began to
develop a list of non-controlled medicines we could supply to Cuba. For the most part, these items are hard to
find or expensive in Cuba. Remember, in
Cuba no government assistance is provided to animal protectors, so they must
raise whatever funds they need by themselves.
Bob got together with his vet, Dr. Dean Ebert of Venice,
Florida and constructed of items Aniplant might need. Without this collaboration I couldn't have
made much of a list myself. Bob has more
knowledge about vet meds than I do, but he still needed Dr Ebert's help to get
a really good list.
We began with shelter needs—meds for mange, fleas, ticks,
worms, etc. Then Nora added a list of
meds to supply their new clinic and surgery in Aniplant's headquarters—things
like antibiotics, sutures, and steroids. Once Bob and Dr. Ebert reviewed all
items for cost, weight (to minimize shipping costs), and need, we had a good
list.
Nora had to submit the list for government approval (they
even have to approve the makers of the drugs).
Once we have their OK, we can buy the items through Dr. Ebert and gather
and pack them for shipment to our freight forwarder in Miami. Then they go via air to Havana for delivery
within Havana to Nora's doorstep.
While anesthetics are crucial to our sterilization efforts,
a huge range of other meds are needed to supply a first class veterinary
activity in Havana. We are committed to
making this supply line work for the benefit of Cuba's animals.
And here's a big thank you to Bob Skogland and Dr. Dean
Ebert—indispensable parts of the machinery we are assembling to help the
animals of Cuba.
Les Inglis
