Protecting animals in emergencies in India

We respond when disasters strike and animals are threatened with suffering and death. We work with local partners to provide urgent, effective aid. We help our governments and communities prepare for disasters–so people are always ready to protect, rescue and care for animals.

In 2014 and 2013 we protected animals in Uttarakhand Flash flood

Uttarakhand flash floods devastated the region in June 2013. We provided assistance for the animals and people. Working closely with local communities we helped people to better prepare and protect their animals, and build resilience for future emergencies.

Working with the Association for People Advancement and Action Research (APAAR) our disaster management team improved and strengthened local disaster preparedness and management systems by building animal shelters and holding workshops and exercises.

In 2013 we protected animals in the Maharashtra drought

Maharashtra State in western India experienced its worst drought in forty years, with the worst affected districts of Jalna and Beed experiencing 75 percent less rainfall than usual. We stepped in to provide immediate relief, providing food, water and shelter for animals and the people who rely on them. Longer term, we worked with the government and local people to develop a plan to help this affected region to be prepared for disasters, and to recover quicker.

In 2012 we protected animals in the Assam floods

When the Brahmaputra River broke its banks in June 2012, flooding several villages, including areas of grazing land, fields and animal shelters, we responded to the most pressing needs of over 25,000 animals in the district. We helped reconstruct shelters and distributed food and essential food supplements for cattle; protecting animals and helping local people rebuild their flood affected lives.

In 2011 we protected animals in the West Bengal floods

When floods hit the East Midnapore District of West Bengal, our team quickly responded to ensure animals, heavily relied upon by communities for their survival and livelihoods, were accounted for, safe and protected. We then helped local people rebuild their lives and be better prepared to protect their animals in the future.

In 2010 we protected animals in the Leh flash floods

In August 2010, Leh, the second largest district in India, was hit with the equivalent of an average years’ worth of rain fall in just 30 minutes. The heavy downpour led to flash flooding causing widespread destruction and leaving communities, and the animals they depend on, devastated. We launched an immediate response to protect local animals caught up in the disaster, protecting animal lives and working with local people to rebuild their lives.

In 2009 we protected animals in Andhra Pradesh floods and Odissa floods

Over 20 days of continuous heavy rain resulted in breaks in the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers causing flooding in many districts across Andhra Pradesh. We quickly responded to the urgent need for food, clean water and shelter for animals in the region, while also providing essential medical relief to local animals to avoid spread of disease and loss of animal life.

The Kendrapara district of Odisha, one of India’s most flood-affected areas, was hit by a tornado. We responded, at a time when no other organisation was looking at the needs of animals caught up in disasters, to protect local animals. Six months later, when Odisha was hit by flooding again, we returned to the district and worked again with local organisations to aid communities and people to protect their animals and livelihoods.

In 2008 we protected animals in the Bihar floods

When torrential monsoon rains broke the Kosi Barrage dam wall, the massive deluge of water resulted in the worst disaster in the region for over 50 years. Up to 10 percent of local livestock were killed and the remainder left suffering terrible injuries, trauma and stress. We provided immediate veterinary aid to the injured animals to stop spread of disease, and essential food supplements to protect starving animals. We worked with local people to be prepared so animals can survive and communities rebuild if disaster strikes again.