Severe cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’ has hit southern parts of the country including Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. At least three people have been killed and many others injured as violent winds ravaged the area, reports Hindustan Times. In natural calamities such as this, homeless people and stray animals are the worst hit. Thankfully, many have come forward to protect the voiceless.
According to The New Indian Express, many Tamil Nadu residents have opened their doors to stray dogs for them to take shelter inside their homes till the cyclone subsides.
One of such people is Vignesh Sukumar, who has given shelter to 6 dogs. Earlier, in a similar episode of violent rainfall, he found that a litter of 13 puppies had died. Which is why he decided to take the extra step to make sure his neighbourhood dogs are safe. He says that the 6 dogs are scared and have cornered themselves.
Another such person is Yoga Lakshmi who lives in Avadi. She is currently giving shelter to 3 stray dogs. She says that many people shoo dogs away, leaving the poor animals fewer options to seek refuge in.
“During heavy rains, there are many roadblocks and stagnations. Even if dogs want to get to a safer place, they get blocked out.”
M Mahesh, the owner of a lorry repair shop, has given refuge to 10 dogs.
“They only seek temporary shelter. They themselves go away after the weather gets better. There is no need to worry about having to care for them long term,” he said.
BJP District Secretary of Thiruvallur East, Muthu Pandian, took to Twitter to post a picture of stray dogs taking shelter inside his home, asking people to open their gates to provide animals with shelter.
We opened our gate for our street dogs 🙏😊
Stray dogs might enter your society for shelter 🙏plz let them in
Atleast give them temporary stray during NIVAR cyclone 🙏🙏🙏🙏#savedogs #NivarCycloneThanks #Vigneshsukumar for this initiative. May god bless u🙏 pic.twitter.com/64qyAM0Jpf
— Muthu Pandian (@bjpmuthupandian) November 25, 2020
We hope that these examples inspire others to do the same. Stray dogs don’t ask for much. All they need is a little support during such difficult times.