First of its kind of animal disaster rescue shelter to be set up as a model in Wayanad

In the 2024 Wayanad landslides, at least 200 domestic animals were killed. Most of those were cattle which were a source of income for many families.

Thiruvananthapuram: The huge casualties of domestic animals in the back-to-back natural calamities in Kerala have prompted the setting up of the first of its type of disaster rescue shelter facility for domestic animals in Wayanad.

The facility which will house up to 150 domestic animals is being set up by the Humane Society International India with the support of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and Kottathara grama panchayat, which is a flood prone region.

In the 2024 Wayanad landslides alone, at least 200 domestic animals were killed. Most of those were cattle which were a source of income for many families.

The lack of an animal shelter facility was the biggest challenge then faced by organisations like the Humane Society International India, presently known as the Humane World for Animals India (HWAI), for rescuing stranded animals. Thus, the proposal for setting up the rescue facility came up.

HWAI Manager, Disaster Preparedness and Response Team, Praveen Suresh told DH that being the first such initiative in the country, the disaster rescue facility would be set up as a model that could be replicated elsewhere in the country.

The facility will be set up in 50 cents of land (21,778 sq ft) provided by the Kottathara grama panchayat. A sustainable model by making use of locally available raw materials will be used for setting up the facility.

Since the facility would be of use mainly during disasters, it will be set up in such a model that the panchayat could also use it for other purposes like holding events, preferably related to animals.

It will be able to accommodate 100 to 150 animals. All animal welfare standards would be followed, and a veterinary clinic will also be there. A proper waste management facility and bio-gas plant will be also part of the project, Suresh said.

The total construction cost is around Rs 70 lakh. KSDMA has allotted Rs 10 lakh for the project and the remaining will be met by HWAI.