Impact of disaster are high on the weaker sections of the community. In many developing countries there are a good number of people who cannot earn “a dollar a day” (D.A.D). When developing countries are disaster prone, the poor suffer the impact acutely. Many of the poor are landless or small holders. This section largely depends on animals, for livelihood. It is apparent that even though animals are the main source of livelihood to the poorest of the poor, disaster management of animals do not figure anywhere in preparedness, mitigation or rehabilitation. In fact animals can play a major role in all the components of disaster management of these countries. There is a significant participation of women in conventional animal husbandry system where a large array of indigenous breeds of domestic and semi-domestic animals live in absolute harmony with man and nature; a situation that can prevent at least some disasters.
Animals can play a significant role during a disaster. They are specifically used for search and rescue operations. Animals are the means of transport of injured and invalid people when no other transport is possible. Animals are also used for clearance of debris in inaccessible areas. Animals are movable assets of the farmer, which can be salvaged and used during response period or while victims live in shelters. Even in their death animals serve the community by providing material gains, with their hide, bone, lard and carcass. Damaged crops and grains unfit for human consumption can be used as animal feed and fodder. Animal rearing is a major diversion from shock for disaster victims and helps them tide over their depression. In flood duck rearing and fish farming help in clearing pests that can cause epidemics. Pigs and free living animals clear garbage & waste materials. Dogs (pets and community animals) keep wild animals and reptiles that stray