Russel told IANS that working to protect animals in flood-prone Bihar would be a challenge for the WSPA, which is all set to open its first veterinary emergency response unit of the country in Patna.

'A team of the WSPA would go and conduct a mock drill for evacuation of animals by the end of this year in a village in one of the flood-prone districts of Supaul, Saharsa or Madhepura,' he said.

The WSPA would also train veterinary doctors about methods of safe evacuation during natural disasters.

Russel said several countries were now recognizing the need for laws to protect the livestock population.