While the effect of the lockdown to contain the spread of novel Coronavirus can be felt in all quarters, among those who have been hit the hardest are the lakhs of stray animals who are left without food. And the worrying question is if these beings will survive the lockdown. Not unless people show kindness and step forward to feed the strays, it seems. For the sheer number is too big to be covered only by the government and animal welfare activists.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Animal Husbandry department director Dr KK Joshi informed that there are 2.5 lakh stray dogs and 13,000 stray cattle in Uttarakhand. “Nodal officers have been appointed in all 13 districts to supervise the task of feeding stray animals. The challenge is more serious in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Dehradun. Government has partnered with NGOs in every district. All efforts are also being made for streamlined fodder supply and no black-marketing but public support is crucial. For any problem or complaint people should call us for help. The phone numbers are listed on our department website,” he said.
“Majority of these survive on leftovers from markets, restaurants, food carts, footfalls, tourist sites, temples, institutions and hotels. And if their starvation is not addressed, there might be mass deaths of animals, which will not only be tragic but also pose another public health challenge. The impact of the lockdown on stray animals can already be seen as stray dogs are beginning to show signs of aggression by chasing passersby out of extreme hunger,” said officer-in-charge of the State Animal Welfare Board, Dr Ashutosh Joshi.
The Animal Welfare Board of India, Government of India, has written to all states and UTs stating, “Feed and fodder for large animals and food for companion and stray animals is an essential service and may be kept operational during lock down. District administration, may if need be, allot specific time during the morning and evening hours for individual volunteers to provide food and water for street animals and birds. It is requested to kindly issue necessary directions to all concerned authorities to create awareness among the public to take care of stray animals during the lockdown due to COVID-19 the law-enforcement authorities be directed to see that animals and birds do not suffer due to hunger…kindly treat the matter as most urgent.”
In a community initiative in Dehradun people have formed a Facebook group ‘Save The Stray During Lockdown’. This group has got over 200 members in only three days and together these individuals are feeding around 2,500 dogs and cows in Dehradun.
While around forty are going out to feed within administrative rules and maintaining social distancing, those who cannot go out are contributing grocery items and even cooking fresh home food themselves for street animals.
Every morning at 7 AM, Niharika Kapoor steps out with bags of bread, buns, rusk and biscuits to feed strays in Kishan Nagar area of Dehradun. She then moves on to Rajendra Nagar, Ambedkar Stadium and ONGC colony giving food to around 70 hungry dogs. This feeding drive takes her around three hours. The 23 year old can again be seen on these roads from 6 PM to 8 PM daily, with packs of starving dogs following her as she serves them food.
Similar is the routine for Balwant Singh Chhettri, who is feeding around 60 stray dogs in and around Dehradun Cantonment beginning 5 AM every day.
Some restaurant owners like Sandeep Nautiyal have asked their resident staff to offer a portion to strays from their meals while the establishments remain shut.
Animal lovers are urging people to keep a bowl of water and food outside their houses for strays, and initiatives like ‘Each One Feed One’ can make a huge difference.