Mumbai: Birds, animals suffer heat ailments

Mumbai: The scorching heat is not only affecting human beings but also animals in the city. There has been a rise in the number of birds and animals suffering from heat-related ailments, as per data collected by The Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA).

There are 1,686 cases (710 dogs, 258 cats and 718 birds) of animals suffering from dehydration in the city, according to the BSPCA. Some other animals like flamingos, foxes, jackals, tiger cubs and turtles have also been brought for treatment to the hospital run by the organisation.

Over the past few weeks, the hospital has been treating about 25 birds and mammals daily. Dr J.C. Khanna, secretary and in-charge, BSPCA Hospital, said, “The rise in temperature renders birds sick and unable to find food and water in the scorching heat, so much so that they usually fall to the ground.”

“With the increase in temperature, the cases of dehydration among birds are on the rise. The main reason for it is the fast shrinking green cover and water bodies in the city. During the summer season, our hospital gets 20 to 25 per cent more birds and animals suffering from dehydration,” Dr Khanna said.

He suggested that people must keep water bowls in their balconies in order to provide water to birds.

Veterinarians have reported an increase in the number of cases of dehydration and heat stroke, with over 40 cases of birds collapsing due to heat stroke.

Different species of birds such as pigeons, spotted owlets, Asian cuckoos, parrots, sea birds, herons and crows have been severely hit by the rising mercury levels.