During disaster, the casualty among cattle is particularly high because at the time of disaster, they are left tied to their stakes with no means of voluntary escape. Furthermore, there is nobody to take care of them during and after the disaster. Considering the fact, that livestock is also a source of livelihood to a substantial number of household, it becomes vitally important to save their lives and provide relief in the form of fodder and shelter in the post-disaster phase.

In the absence of any allocated shelter for animals, the community may like to keep their cattle close to their own relief shelters, which in turn could lead to some unhygienic conditions and possible outbreak of epidemics. It would be desirable to set up separate shelters adjacent to the camp colonies as part of the relief package.

Importance of Livestock

Livestock has been an integral part of human civilization and culture right from the time that humans started domestication of animals. In early times, livestock possession was a symbol of progress and prosperity.

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Even in these times, the most significant positive point in favor of animal husbandry is its employment potential for rural poor. As it does not demand more skill, it suits the farmers and landless rural agriculture laborers well. It is not only an alternate source to provide livelihood but also a proposition favored by weaker sections of the society, most significantly, the women.

Dairy farming by landless and poor farmers provides employment potential to their family members and substantially contributes to their family income. One study of National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal shows that a number of dairy animals kept by landless poor farmers per household is less but more productive compared to that of big landlords/cultivators.

The National Commission on Agriculture in India observed that next to crops, animal husbandry has the largest employment potential in rural areas. This sector can make significant potential in direct and indirect employment in several ancillary activities (such as livestock feed, dairy and poultry equipment, leather and wool industry etc.) for the weaker sections of the society.

Needs for Protecting Livestock during Disasters

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There is a mutual give and take relationship between livestock and rural community. The major livestock products or outputs can be divided into 10 categories. Income from livestock includes not only cash from sale of animals, but also provision of services such as ploughing and transport.

Land and agricultural improvement requires animal traction for ploughing, animal power for pumping water and post-harvest processing. The use of dung for manure and fuel and the making of fertilizer from dung, bone, feather of horn are obvious livestock outputs. Livestock products, which are used as clothing, include wool, skins, hides, leather and feathers.

In urban areas, livestock are not only companions for blind, elderly or lonely people but also provide security. The positive hygiene and health aspects of livestock output include soap making from animal products, transportation of water and the garbage-scavenging activities of pigs.

Seeing the multiple uses of the livestock population in India and particularly in the rural society, it is important to protect livestock in disaster situations like floods, droughts and cyclones. During these natural calamities, animals may be lost due to drowning, running away out of fright, death due to snakebites etc. More common and severe damage to livestock are incurable injuries, starvation of animals due to being stranded and death due to various diseases after the disaster.