Odisha Government Sanctions Rs 54 Lakh To Feed Stray Animals During Coronavirus Lockdown

Thousands of stray animals in the state are having a hard time finding food as markets, eateries and hotels are closed due to the 21-day lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter sent by the housing and urban development department to commissioners of several municipal corporations and executive officers of municipalities in the state.

The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 54 lakh to feed stray animals in various cities and towns across the state as they are struggling to find food during the ongoing nationwide lockdown, an official said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Chief Ministers Office tweeted, "Appreciate @speak animals for coming forward to feed the hungry animals who are without food due to #21DaysLockDown. Such a compassionate gesture during the hour of crisis helps in mitigating the suffering of these voiceless."

Thousands of animals across India have been left hungry as restaurants and hotels have closed due to the 21 day lockdown to contain the coronavirus outbreak. Smt Maneka Gandhi, Animal rights activist, Former Union minister and a senior BJP leader has urged the police and resident welfare associations (RWA) to let animal welfare workers feed the animals during this period. “Street dogs, cows and birds can neither get nor give the coronavirus to humans. However in the event of a lockdown, if they are not fed, many will die creating another kind of serious problem,” Mrs. Gandhi said in a statement. 

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