KOCHI: The landslide has struck not just humans but the domestic and pet animals in Meppadi and the rescuers are finding it difficult to rescue or feed them. The animal husbandry department could provide feed for cattle in Vanarani Estate at Chooralmala only on Friday evening, the fourth day of the massive landslide.
They are also unaware of the existing condition of cattle and pet animals in Mundakkai, where they haven’t got permission to enter.
“We were allowed to enter Chooralmala only on Friday. Though we transported truckloads of grass donated by a farmer to Chooralmala, we had to carry it as headloads to the estate to feed the cattle there. We do not know whether any cattle are there in Mundakkai or how they survive if alive,” said an animal husbandry official.
Meanwhile, they believe if any orphaned domestic animal is rescued in the days to come, it can be given back to the residents if they are willing to rear them.
“Regarding pet animals like dogs and cats, we don’t believe there would be many. If we can find them alive and rescue them in the coming days, we will give them for adoption. But we haven’t got any permission to reach there since the priority is to rescue the humans now. The community dogs in the landslide-affected areas would get food from rescue teams. There are many community dogs in Mundakkai and they will survive anyway,” said the official.
The extent of damage caused to the livestock in the landslide affected areas is not known.