Helicopter delivers food to flood-hit community dogs in Bhotekoshi

Food supplies have been delivered by helicopter to hungry community dogs after the flood that struck Bhotekoshi in Rasuwa on Bhadau 10. The Nepal Animal Welfare and Environment Society reached Syafrubesi to provide the aid. The flood had cut off roads and transport links, leaving the dogs outside the reach of relief and rescue.

The society said the cost was borne by Temple Dog Rescue and that a World Food Programme helicopter was used. More than 60 community dogs in the Syafrubesi area received food this time.

Society chairperson Sumeda Gautam said the initiative was taken so that animals, which cannot speak for themselves, do not go hungry while relief reaches people. She called it a matter of great satisfaction that food could reach these living beings in difficult conditions.

Executive director Hariprasad Joshi said disaster management should not focus only on people. According to him, animals suffer equally in disasters, so their lives and welfare should be made part of relief plans.

Animal welfare activist Ami Kattel, who has been active in the field for a long time, said the situation of animals becomes even more dangerous during disasters, so they should be given priority in every rescue effort.