BWI: WSPA Works with Government to Expand Support for Disaster Struck Animals in Maharashtra

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
Thursday, June 13, 2013 04:06 PM IST (10:36 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Entertainment, Law & justice, People, Social issues; Business: Business services, Law firms, Media & entertainment
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WSPA Works with Government to Expand Support for Disaster Struck Animals in Maharashtra


New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, June 13, 2013 -- (Business Wire India) -- As summer temperatures rise, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the Department of Animal Husbandry in Maharashtra are jointly working to further expand support for drought-affected livestock in the districts of Jalna and Beed. The state is currently experiencing its worst drought in 40 years and WSPA is providing shelter and feed for 9,000 cattle and buffaloes required for dairy and agriculture purposes.

Four months into its disaster relief efforts, WSPA is developing a village disaster management plan and preparing to undertake specialised training with local NGO representatives to help them manage animals in drought cattle camps. The plans and training will help local animals and communities cope not only with the current extreme conditions but also help them better prepare for future disasters.

A geo-referenced database system (GIS) is another project WSPA is hoping to work on with the local authorities in the next six months. The GIS would result in a more organized and effective disaster response over a period of time.

WSPA's Disaster Vetinerary Officer, Dr. Akash Maheshwari said: "People in these areas have been living in the cattle camps to safeguard their animals since the onset of this drought that was called a state disaster in March, 2013. Their whole lives revolve around their animals as they depend on them for not only their livelihoods but also social events, such as weddings.

"But people are now, wanting to go back to their daily lives. We hope to help them not just through these camps for a short span but through the longer duration of this drought situation too."

To date, WSPA has set-up three cattle camps, which have as successful models for the State Government to replicate in 36 other camps in the district and eventually across 400 state cattle camps in Maharashtra. The roll out of the model has the potential to help 400,000 cattle and buffaloes as well as the livelihoods of the people who depend on them.

By collaborating with State and District level governments, WSPA supports local solutions that align with the priorities and needs of affected communities. WSPA protects animals in challenging situations and crises using skills and knowledge built up over more than 50 years of disaster response work.

Notes to Editors

At the World Society for the Protection of Animals, we have worked to expose animal cruelty and prevent animal suffering. Working with individuals, organisations and governments across the globe, our campaigns range from ending the mass suffering of industrially farmed animals to protecting animals in disasters.

Consultative status with the United Nations means we have a unique international platform to prove that the lives of animals are inextricably linked to our own, and now more than ever is the time to stop their suffering.

When disaster strikes and animals suffer, WSPA is there to bring immediate relief. We work tirelessly with governments, communities and organisations to champion long- term solutions for animals, and bring hope to the people whose lives depend on them.

For WSPA's blog: Animals in Disasters


CONTACT DETAILS
Roli Mahajan, World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), +91 (11) 46539341, RoliMahajan@wspa-asia.org

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ENTERTAINMENT, LAW, PEOPLE, SOCIAL, BUSINESS SERVICES, LAW FIRMS, MEDIA

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