Plan for pets and horses in emergency The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is urging the community to plan early for the management of their companion animals and horses in case of a fire emergency. Inadequate planning for the management of animals and their welfare in emergencies can result in poor, last-minute decisions with dangerous or fatal consequences for animals and their owners or carers. DEPI Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Malcolm Ramsay said procedures and escape routes should be pre-planned, with alternate routes well-known in case the planned route is not accessible. “If possible, prearrange a safe location to take your animals to; this may be family or friends, a boarding establishment or the local evacuation centre,” Dr Ramsay said. “Local horse groups may have plans for emergency agistment locations or you can arrange a ‘buddy’ property that you can use during the fire season. It is best to make your own arrangements in advance and not rely on the evacuation centre as facilities may be limited for animals. “Ensure all your animals are properly identified, for example, by a collar and tag or microchip. “Keep microchip details current for pets and horses. Always keep your pet’s immunisation up-to-date, and remember pets need current proof of vaccination to stay at a kennel or cattery. “It is advisable to prepare an animal evacuation kit including food, water, bowls, leads, halters, blankets/bedding, cages, relevant documentation and any medication they might require. “A cage, carrier or portable container appropriate to species should be allocated for each small pet for transportation and housing purposes. If transporting larger animals ensure they are accustomed to being transported before the need arises. “Fires are unpredictable and plans can fail, so people need to think and prepare for each possible scenario,” Dr Ramsay said. “If you plan to leave your animals at home or your evacuation plans fail, with no option other than to leave your animals behind, there are measures you can take to assist their survival.” “It is not recommended to shut horses in stables or small yards.” “Horses are likely to receive only minimal burns if kept in grazed down paddocks and given plenty of room to move. They will gallop through flames or around their edges, and stand on the blackened, previously burnt area and remain there until the fire has passed.” “Sand arenas, bare paddocks or similar bare areas can be used for horses in times of fire. Ensure there is plenty of water available from a source that does not rely on power or above ground pipes.” “If possible, do not leave synthetic (nylon or plastic) gear, including rugs on your horse. These can melt and cause serious burns to your horse. Radiant heat can also cause metal buckles to become hot and cause burns to the animals.” Fences along roadsides should never be cut. Loose stock can cause road accidents during fire, particularly when visibility is low due to smoke haze and can be difficult to manage after the fire front passes. Dr Ramsay said whether they are going with you or being left behind, small animals should be contained as early as possible in the day. This ensures they are close at hand when you decide to leave, or if being left behind. “Don’t tie animals outside or keep them in a vehicle unattended, leave them in a secure area inside your home.” Dr Ramsay said when leaving animals, leave out at least 10 days supply of water, fill every bowl and container that you have with water, then set them in accessible places; do not leave just one container as it may spill. “Leave out at least four to five days supply of dry food for cats and dogs, as canned food will go bad quickly. Equivalent hay or pasture should be made available for horses being left.”
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:07:23 +0000
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