Nepal's deadly earthquake has severely impacted cattle life across the country, with cows drastically reducing their milk output and many animals suffering due to major injuries.
Cows, goats, buffaloes, dogs, poultry have all been affected in some way or the other by the devastating quake that killed animals in large numbers besides claiming the lives of more than 7,000 human beings.
"I have 13 cows. Each used to produce around 12 litres of milk daily. Now they hardly give six to seven litres," Kalyan Chapagai, a milkman who provides milk to nearly 60 houses in the Kathmandu Valley, told IANS.
With many domesticated animals left to fend for themselves after being injured in the destruction caused by the April 25 disaster, the cattle are having a tough time.
"My cattle started bellowing at the time of the earthquake. We somehow managed to rescue them and tie them in the open. However, not all of us in our village could do that, resulting in the death of nearly 60 cows, buffaloes and calves," said 38-year-old Chapagai of Goldhunga village here.
He said many animals were buried or crushed when buildings and sheds collapsed in the powerful tremors measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale.
"Many animals remain traumatised because of the continuing aftershocks," he added.
In other cases, many livestock owners themselves could not escape the earthquake, leaving none to look after the animals which have survived.
Shyam Tiwari, another milkman, said that apart from fear, the unhygienic conditions in which the animals were now forced to live could be a reason for the reduced milk output.
"We are struggling to make both ends meet. So, providing adequate food and medicine for the cattle is becoming difficult," Tiwari said.
"Additionally, the unhygienic conditions they are now living in could also be another reason. Rains are making the situation worse."
Officials say that many carcasses were still lying in the open as people have not managed to bury them.
Added Tiwari: "Flies and insects have made it impossible for the poor animals. And with the increasing heat and the rainy season soon to set in, things are only going to get worse."
Milkmen Chapagai said that with many cows sustaining bone injuries, even calves were not able to get their mother's milk.
"This is an additional worry which is haunting us. Though we try feeding them with bottles, it does not work," he moaned.
Many domesticated cattle have received fatal injuries and are slowly dying.
"Mercy killing is not possible because of religious sentiments," said a villager engaged in milk business. "We have no choice but to see them painfully succumb to their injuries."
Saili Kharge, a resident of Tokha village in the Kathmandu Valley, told IANS that hens too were traumatized.
"They keep looking for their kin," the woman told IANS, pointing at a dead hen.
"The entire house came crashing down. There was no escape for these poor things," she said.
One dog owner said his pet refuses to be separated from him.
"He sticks around wherever I go... I guess he feels safe that way," said Shayam, petting his black coloured mongrel.
Humane Society International, an NGO which works on animal protection issues, says that almost all animals suffered from diarrhoea and many goats were showing signs of respiratory stress.
