Humane attention to street animals during flood

During floods, houses, roads and streets are submerged in water. People lose their homes, livelihoods and means of survival and in the process many become destitute. In such situations, the government sets up relief camps and shelters to rehabilitate affected people and strives to provide them with bare necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care. However, amid these humanitarian efforts, the silent victims of floods - street animals such as dogs and cats - are often forgotten. Their only shelters are pavements, open spaces, or abandoned buildings, and they survive by scavenging for food from garbage dumps and roadside waste. When floodwaters cover the streets, they lose both their shelter and their source of food. Being voiceless, these animals cannot express their fear, hunger or sufferings. They wander from place to place in search of safe shelter and a morsel of food. Exposed to continuous rain and contaminated water, many become weak, sick, or injured, yet very few people notice their plight.
Their suffering reminds us that compassion should extend to every living being. Therefore, alongside the rehabilitation of flood-affected people, the government, local authorities, animal welfare organisations, and ordinary citizens should work together to provide temporary shelters and food for stray animals.

Sheikh Sultana Meem
Student
Eden Mohila College