BHUBANESWAR: Extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’, which pulverised the capital May 3, was disastrous for destitutes and stray animals alike. While govt estimate puts the combined loss incurred at Rs 12,000 crore, no such data has been put forth in case of animals.
Many of these animals were severely injured during the cyclone. In such a scenario, several animal welfare and voluntary organizations have come forward to rescue and rehabilitee these silent children of gods.
Subhendu Nayak, a resident of the city, said, “Animal welfare is not even a topic for discussion in the government or media. The cyclone has devastated humans and animals alike. Many have died and several have sustained injuries. However, no official census has been conducted in this regard.”
Kusal Biswas, a member of Speak for Animals, said, “We have received some serious cases of animal injuries after Fani struck the city. A crippled bull fell into the debris caused by ‘Fani’ leading to a tear in an artery. A local veterinary doctor operated on him. We managed to stop the bleeding and injected the required fluids.”
The authorities have preferred focusing all their energies on helping victims of the cyclone. However, they have turned a blind eye to the sufferings of the animals. “A person recently provided 5000 litres of water to the people of Sikharchandi Basti. Let us stand together for Odisha and help both people and animals,” Kusal said.
City-based animal welfare group Action for Protection of Wild Animals also reached places after cyclone Fani to recsue animals. Two weeks after extremely severe cyclone ‘Fani’, the situation in Puri is strained. Many teams are on the ground providing lifesaving aid, vet care and food to animals and helping the poor community which relies on them.
“Our team continues to provide lifesaving help to survived dogs, cats, cow, buffalo, horse, goat etc. in worst affected areas. We have been conducting emergency feeding and treatment to homeless dogs, cats, cattle, which are most vulnerable aftermath of extremely severe cyclone, which hit last week,” said a volunteer of APOWA.
City based Animal Welfare Trust Ekamra also suffered immensely and lost many of their animals. Founder Purabi Patra said, “Our shelter home at the outskirts of Bhubaneswar is totally damaged. We tried to evacuate animals but it was difficult due to the wind speed. Hence, we released all of them to give them a chance.
At a time when govt authorities have turned a blind eye towards the sufferings of animals, it’s heartening to witness the efforts of multiple animal welfare groups.
