Volunteers from multiple countries join Nepal animal rescue effort

DEHRADUN: As rescue agencies continue searching for people in flood-hit areas of Nepal, animal welfare groups are running a parallel operation to rescue stranded animals, provide medical aid, and safely dispose of carcasses to prevent health risks.TFC (Thanks For Caring) Nepal, Pawdessy Nepal, and Karmayog Foundation are among the organisations involved in the effort.TFC Nepal, whose volunteers include people from India, Germany, and several other countries, has so far rescued around 15 dogs. Some were found stranded on balconies of houses buried under silt after their owners died or went missing.Tula Ram Rajbanshi, founder of TFC Nepal, told TOI from Kathmandu that the rescued dogs were being given primary medical care before being brought to Kathmandu for better shelter and treatment.“Just like humans, the animals who survived the disaster are in extreme trauma. They are still scared and avoid going near people. But they are injured and need medical care. Our volunteers are somehow managing to rescue them and provide the required treatment in these challenging times,” Rajbanshi said.He said a team of around 12 volunteers left for flood-affected Rasuwa and nearby areas on Saturday to locate and bury animal carcasses. The team had collected essential material, including PPE kits, on Friday.“Just like decomposing human bodies, the carcasses could pose a health risk to survivors. We will locate them and ensure they are properly buried,” Rajbanshi said.Meanwhile, Karmayog Foundation, which has been involved in relief work in flood-hit areas for the past few days, is arranging food for animals, said Saurav Rimal of the organisation.Rimal said caring for animals was particularly important in Nepal, where dogs are revered during Kukur Tihar, a festival dedicated to them.“In our culture, we have deep respect for animals. Hence, it is our duty to stand by them in this hour of need without discrimination,” he said.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.