Devastating Floods in Punjab: Humane World for Animals Responds with Urgent Relief Efforts

Urgent disaster response operations are underway in Punjab, India, to assist animals affected by the devastating floods in the region. The Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society International India) has partnered with local organizations, including the Indian Red Cross Society (Punjab), to provide critical aid to animals in need. The team's immediate priorities include distributing emergency feed to prevent starvation of farmed animals, supplying veterinary medicines required for the treatment of sick and injured animals, and providing food and basic care for companion animals.

Key Takeaways:

• The floods in Punjab have displaced over three lakh people and impacted more than 50 lakh animals, with significant numbers of cattle and buffalo dying in submerged areas.
• Companion animals, such as free-roaming dogs and cats, are in critical jeopardy, with many left without food, shelter, or medical attention.
• The Humane World for Animals disaster response team has deployed in the worst-hit areas of Amritsar and Jalandhar to distribute emergency feed, veterinary medicines, and provide care for companion animals.
• The organization has delivered the first batches of fodder and companion animal feed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, with an immediate impact of animals eating after days without nourishment and people expressing relief.
• Dr. Shaina Verma from the Indian Red Cross Society (Punjab) has called for more support to assist those in need, with thousands of homes lost, crops destroyed, and many lives lost.
• Humane World for Animals has a history of responding to disasters worldwide, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires, to assist animals and communities in need.

Statistics:

• Over three lakh people have been displaced by the floods in Punjab.
• More than 50 lakh animals have been impacted by the floods.
• Significant numbers of cattle and buffalo have died in submerged areas.
• Field reports confirm extensive losses of animals such as chickens and goats.
• Companion animals, such as dogs and cats, are in critical jeopardy, with many left without food, shelter, or medical attention.
• The Humane World for Animals disaster response team has delivered the first batches of fodder and companion animal feed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, with an immediate impact of animals eating after days without nourishment.

Sources:

• Press release from Humane Society of the United States
• Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International India)
• Indian Red Cross Society (Punjab)
• Compassion for Animals Welfare Association
• Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab.