Heat waves endanger animals of all kinds | Image used for representation purpose only (Pexels)
As India faces intensifying heat waves, with record-breaking temperatures exceeding 45°C in March itself, animal protection organisation Humane World for Animals India urged citizens to prioritise their well-being while also showing compassion and taking necessary actions to protect animals and birds during these extreme conditions.
According to Humane World for Animals, heat waves endanger animals of all kinds, from companion animals like dogs, cats, and birds to farm animals such as cows, goats and poultry. They face risks like heatstroke, burns from hot surfaces, overcrowding and inadequate shelter or water, which can lead to death.
The NGO urged people to provide access to shade to help animals stay cool in hot weather, check under the car before driving to prevent running over animals taking shelter beneath it on hot days, place water bowls for animals and birds, adjust feeding times of community animals to early morning or late evening when it’s cooler and watch for heat exhaustion signs like panting, drooling or lethargy.
Dalia Jacob, senior manager of the community engagement team at Humane World for Animals, said, “Every small action counts in saving lives. In many cases, the difference between life and death is the simple act of providing shade and water. Heat waves are not just a human crisis but an animal welfare crisis too. We’re collaborating with community members and volunteers to ensure that street dogs have access to clean drinking water. Additionally, we’ve set up water tubs in certain housing societies to help maintain animal’s body temperature during extreme heat.”
Praveen Suresh, manager of the disaster preparedness and relief team at Humane World for Animals India, said, “With heat waves affecting millions of people, the impact on animals remains a largely overlooked crisis. These heat waves are expected to intensify, putting both urban and rural animal populations at risk. In an agrarian country like India, where the majority of the rural population relies on both agriculture and livestock for their livelihood, the loss of animals due to heat stress poses a severe challenge.”
The organisation also advised people to never leave animals in hot cars as it can quickly lead to heatstroke, prevent animals from walking on hot pavement, avoid over-exercising animals during hot weather, don’t leave animals outside without shade and water and avoid feeding them food that can ferment quickly, as it may increase heat generation in their stomach.
