Four-Legged Melissa Survivors Find New Homes Abroad

Following Hurricane Melissa, more than 50 stranded dogs were rescued from flooded Jamaican communities and later adopted abroad, including in the United States and Canada.

Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister, Floyd Green, explained at a government briefing that while the immediate focus was on saving human lives, officials also worked to save pets trapped by floodwaters. In total, 58 dogs were flown abroad, with several already placed in new homes. “The ministry facilitated the export of 58 dogs rescued through these missions,” Green said.

He added that the ministry is now offering free veterinary clinics across the island to support farmers and pet owners. These clinics provide treatment, vaccines, wound care, and food support.

Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28. Thousands of pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle were lost, along with nearly half of Jamaica’s laying hens and hundreds of thousands of broiler chickens. Initial agricultural losses were estimated at $30 billion, but a World Bank assessment has since doubled that figure to $60 billion. Overall physical damage is valued at 8.8 billion USD.

So far, officials have confirmed 45 deaths from the storm, with 18 people still missing.