In the wake of the catastrophic landslides that have struck Wayanad, Kerala, earlier this week, the state government has taken significant measures to address the plight of domestic animals affected by the disaster. The Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, announced the establishment of a 24-hour control room specifically set up to handle the needs of these stranded animals. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the animals do not remain abandoned or without care in the aftermath of the landslides.
The newly set up control room at Chooralmala, a critical area impacted by the landslides, will be the central hub for operations concerning the welfare of domestic animals. The control room is staffed around the clock by personnel from the Animal Welfare Department. This team is responsible for coordinating the rescue and treatment of animals, and also for managing their subsequent relocation.
The Chief Minister expressed a commitment to ensuring that all animals, including livestock, would receive the necessary care and attention. He assured that the Animal Welfare Department would handle the injured animals, providing them with treatment and then transferring them to dairy farmers in the vicinity who are willing to adopt them.
Currently, NGOs and volunteers are playing a crucial role in supplying food and water to the animals stranded due to the landslides. On Friday, the collaborative effort extended to the recovery of two small dogs found at the disaster site in Chooralmala. These dogs were handed over to a special defence group composed of military and police personnel, ensuring their safe care.
The control room will be responsible for overseeing the entire process, from the initial recovery of the animals to their final placement. Animals, both living and deceased, from affected areas such as Chooralmala and Mundakai, are being brought to this central location. The process includes meticulous record-keeping to ensure that each animal’s condition and eventual placement are accurately documented.
The operational teams, consisting of veterinary doctors and field officers, are working in two shifts to manage the animal care effectively. Dr Rajesh, the District Officer of the Animal Husbandry Department, highlighted the coordination with the fire department. This collaboration ensures that small animals are safely transported in cages, while larger animals are transported using ambulances to the panchayat hospital in Meppadi.
In addition to caring for live animals, the control room is also responsible for the handling and disposal of animal remains. Arrangements have been made to manage the remains at a designated location in Mepadi, where they will be safely destroyed to prevent any potential health hazards.
This comprehensive approach by the Kerala government underscores the importance of addressing all aspects of the disaster’s impact, including the welfare of animals. The establishment of the control room and the ongoing efforts to provide care and support highlight the commitment to ensuring that no living being is left neglected in the aftermath of the tragedy.