In a significant move towards animal welfare during disasters, the Kerala government has sanctioned the establishment of an animal shelter in Kottathara grama panchayat in Wayanad. The initiative aims to provide a safe haven for domestic animals affected by natural calamities. The project is spearheaded by the Humane Society International India, and will be developed in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Kottathara grama panchayat.
According to a government order, the panchayat has allocated 50 cents of land in Kottathara Village for the facility. With an estimated cost of Rs 69.5 lakh, the Humane Society International India will bear the cost of the construction. Additionally, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will contribute Rs 10 lakh from its corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund as a one-time corpus fund for the project. The DDMA will oversee the construction, while Kottathara grama panchayat will be responsible for the shelter’s long-term operations. The local body will bear the annual maintenance expenses.
Manager of the disaster relief and rescue team at Humane World for Animals India, Praveen Suresh, said that this will be the first-ever animal shelter to rehabilitate animals during disasters. “While the shelter will provide immediate medical care and relief, it will also be serving as a long-term resource to support animal welfare in the community. The animal shelter highlights the power of collaboration between multiple agencies to safeguard animals and strengthen disaster management efforts in India."