The 21-day lockdown is harsh not just on humans but strayanimals as well, many of whom depend on the food they get from roadside eateriesor volunteers who lookout for them. But the coronavirus lockdown has taken that away from stray animals, and finding food has become much more difficult. The lockdown has not only made it hard for feedersto move about, but also made it difficult to avail food supplies to feedthem.
Reuters?
Even amid this crisis, there are some people who are goingout of their way to help hungry stray animals free-roaming on the streets.According to a TOI report, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation has pitched in tohelp NGOs who are providing around 15,000 chapatis daily, for the strays andbirds during the lockdown.
¡°It¡¯s sad to see animals and birds going hungry¡ so, we haveinitiated a few steps,¡± JMC Commissioner Vijay Pal Singh was quoted saying by Times of India. He said the deadlycoronavirus has created a huge problem of arranging food for not just animals, but also humans.
The report states that the corporation placed 8,500 chapatisin various areas of the city to feed stray dogs, cows and monkeys. From Tuesdayonwards, around 10,000-15,000 chapatis will be distributed with the help of NGOAkshaya Patra. Similarly, collaboration with donors of the city have helped collect a huge stock for bird feed - around 10 quintal of 'dana' has beenbought for birds.
Singh said fodder has been arranged for cows with the helpof Shri Krishna Balram Seva Trust. Water has been stored outside corporationparks for the animals.
The corporation has requested people to keep food for birdson their roofs and have also promised to distribute leftover fruits andvegetables among stray animals.
In a similar initiative, BJP MP Maneka Gandhi, announced thatthe Delhi administration will be issuing something called the ¡®feeder passes¡¯amidst the coronavirus lockdown in the city.
The MP, Maneka Gandhi took to her Twitter to make theannouncement writing that, ¡°Any dog feeder can go to their district DCP officein Delhi and get a feeder pass. Please start today as only 50 passes are beinggiven per district.¡±
According to TOI, a letter from the Union Ministry of AnimalHusbandry has requested all states to allow veterinary hospitals anddispensaries, including private clinics and animal shelters to function and be consideredas essential services under the lockdown period.
The Animal Welfare Board of India also issued an advisory toall chief secretaries of states and Union Territories in India regarding thewelfare of animals during the lockdown.