As was reported previously, the Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) has experienced severe damage from Cyclone Nilam which struck the East Coast of Andhra Pradesh a few days ago.
The main shelter, on the coast of the Bay of Bengal was the worst hit. Thanks to the quick action of the staff, all the animals are safe, and those who needed to be evacuated were moved out of the way in time. The canal that runs behind the shelter rose to a depth of nine feet, and water inside the shelter was knee-deep.
The buildings were damaged, as well as the fodder for the cows. The cows now need extra vet care to ward off flood-caused diseases and damage to their feet caused by walking in the mud.
At the second shelter, the Kindness Farm, which is further inland, the flooding was not as bad, though some of the same problems have affected the animals. The only animal missing is Charlie II, a rescued star tortoise. It is believed that he has survived, since he’s a good swimmer, and it is hoped that he’ll be found soon. While searching for him through the water, one of the staff people got bit by a snake and had to be rushed to the hospital. Snake bites are one of the hazards of flooding. He is fine and is recovering.
Photo: Courtesy of VSPCA
If you’d like to help with the flood recovery efforts, please visit either of these sites:
Or the Help Animals India website (A donation to this site is USA tax-deductible. Please specify that it is for VSPCA.)
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