Thiruvananthapuram: As the waters recede, and the horrifying sight of lifeless animal bodies emerge, good Samaritans from Thiruvananthapuram have rushed to other districts to rescue animals that remain.
Hands for Paws, Street Dog Watch and PFA Thiruvananthapuram have come together for the rescue operations, and they call it the Save Animals Kerala campaign.
The animal rescuers are in Chengannur, Kuttanad, Aluva and parts of Kochi to spot the stranded animals. But, they cannot rove constantly in search of ani mals and need the help of people to point them in the right direction. So, to coordinate the rescue calls, the campaigners have formed a core team who sits in Thiruvananthapuram.
Once the animals are rescued, they are taken to shelters. There are two shelters-at Perumbavoor and Cherthala-offered by individuals. Veterinarians stationed at the shelters would administer them medicines.
They were able to save a lot of animals at Veeyapuram bridge in Alappuzha. Soumini R, one of the core coordinators, says "We got a call that many animals are stranded at the bridge, but didn't expect there would be about 200 animals. Someone might have left the animals there, finding the bridge to be at a higher level. But without food for almost a week, the animals were very weak. So we are also arranging for fodder. A load of fodder will be sent to Kollam, today or tomorrow."The rescuers ca nnot locate the animals without the help of local people, as landmarks and boards are submerged in water. The people have been very helpful. But the most challenging part of this is getting the rescue calls, according to Soumini.
They can be reached at 9495610415, 8547686056 or 9567437063 if there are animals to be rescued or relief materials to be donated.
