QCA featured the excellent Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA) in India in our spring newsletter, particularly concentrating on their Karuna Clubs which provide humane education for the young, and their campaigning to end animal sacrifices.
They have been in action recently to alleviate the suffering of animals, both wild and domesticated, after the effects of Cyclone Phailin in Odisha.
Here are some photos and a report of their compassionate work:
APOWA writes:
APOWA’s Disaster Response team is working to help the distressed animal survivors of the devastating cyclone and flood in Odisha.
Our team has been working relentlessly since the cyclone ‘Phailin’ hit Odisha coast from 12th October, 2013. The footprint of the cyclone is huge and immeasurable.
16th October 2013:
One of our team headed by Dr Laxman Behera reached at Pallibandha in Ganjam block of Ganjam district, a mostly homeless dog and feral cat population village, struggling to survive before the cyclone. We helped 64 struggling animals by providing food, water and treatment.
A volunteer helped an injured stray dog and he was treated by APOWA’s vet doctor Dr Laxman Behera at Pallibandha village. Injury is common, due to entry of saltwater in this seaside village following the severe cyclone.
Homeless dogs were examined by a volunteer of APOWA’s disaster response team.
17th October 2013:
Our team rushed to Purunabandha, a severely cyclone affected seaside village of Ganjam district. Mr Bichitra Biswal and Mr Sukumar Parida, along with other two volunteers, were engaged in emergency feeding of stray dogs, cats and cattle, while Mr Subhajyoti Panda and Mr Rabindra Sahoo assisted Dr Behera with treatment of animals.
59 animals were treated by the team in this village.
Mr Sukumar Parida, one of APOWA’s disaster response team members caring for a cyclone survivor cat at Purunabandha village.
We bring food to many cattle roaming in cyclone affected areas.
A cyclone survivor feral cat walks through the street of Purunabandha village.
18th October 2013:
It was another long working day for our team at Binchanapalli .
Our work is saving lives, through emergency feeding and treatment efforts, we’re giving the most vulnerable animals a chance to get back on their feet in this emergency situation.
Over 83 animals have been treated with fever, cough, and injury.
This rescued dogs are so happy to eat; they have no problem sharing the food
Fearing aftershocks: Afraid of more, after cyclone moved through.
“Animals are most innocent and helpless victims of this catastrophe,” says APOWA’s vet doctor Dr Laxman Behera. “They are frightened, injured and hungry. We are providing veterinary care, as well as emergency feeding and planning for vaccinations and measures to prevent disease outbreak.”
Because of our past disaster response experience, we now have in place the dedication and commitment to hard work and understanding of what is needed to deal with the situation. Combined with our genuine love for the animals, our teams will be in place until the situations improve.
There is humidity, anguish in most villages. People’s frustration is running high in affected areas.
Rashmi Ranjan
On behalf of APOWA Team
Odisha. http://www.apowa.org/welfare.htm
Updated October 25:
What a wonderful organisation.
I cannot thank APOWA enough for their unstinting work after the disaster of Cyclone Phailin in helping the vulnerable victims, the animals. My thoughts go out to all involved at this difficult time.