Animal welfare to be protected during recovery

Livestock and pet owners in Queensland can be reassured there is help for animals during the flood clean up with animal welfare issues being taken seriously.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said a State Animal Welfare Flood Control Group has been setup to prevent and respond to animal welfare issues during the flood response.

"We all know animals are important members of the family and next to human safety, they will be a main priority for many people affected by the floods," Mr Mulherin said.

"Sadly, many people who have evacuated their homes during the floods may have had to leave their pets behind, or some people may be taking care of animals that are sick or injured."

There are some simple steps to keep in mind with animals in the flood affected areas:
* Make sure your animals/s have clean water and food
* Be aware of straying stock and wildlife and be careful on the roads
* For sick or injured animals contact your local veterinarian, and for lost and found animals contact the RSPCA.

"The RSPCA, local government and wildlife carers have been doing a fantastic job on the ground in the flood affected areas of Queensland over the past week and our Biosecurity Inspectors are working closely with them to provide the support they need," he said.

"As well as the RSPCA people can call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 for any animal emergencies and we will work with the best organisation to respond to their problem."

The Animal Welfare Flood Control Group is made up of the Biosecurity Queensland, the RSPCA, Local Government Association of Queensland (LQAQ), the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), industry organisations and other government departments.

Mick Pecic from the RSPCA said their Fairfield, Dakabin, Toowoomba, Kingaroy and Gympie shelters were closed due to flooding but t he 1300 number was still open for emergencies and animal cruelty complaints.

"For animal emergencies phone 1300 852 188 or 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) but please be patient - our call centre is experiencing very heavy traffic. Save this number for emergencies only.

"If you are affected by the floods and have a friend or member of the family who can look after your pets on a temporary basis then please arrange that as soon as possible."

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Greg Hallam said managing animals affected by flood emergencies was an often unsung but vitally important part of councils' work in the wake of such events.

"The work of some council staff has been incredible, particularly in devastated communities like the Lockyer Valley where amid all the tragedy, flood victims have been reunited with their pets thanks to the diligence of council officers,'' he said.

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Kat e Jones said Queensland's native animals were also a priority, with DERM working to respond to any native animal welfare enquiries.

"Anyone who comes across native wildlife which are sick, injured or in distress should phone the DERM hotline 1300 130 372 to be put in contact with a wildlife carer," Ms Jones said.

Biosecurity Queensland is also working with various livestock industries to respond to and mitigate against any animal welfare issues such as access to feed and water, displaced animals and sick or injured animals.

For more information visit www.business.qld.gov.au or www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

For animal emergencies associated with the floods contact:
* RSPCA on 1300 852 188 or 1300 ANIMAL (264 625)
* DEEDI on 13 25 23
* DERM on 1300 130 372
 
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
16/01/2011
Animal welfare to be protected during recovery

Permanent Link: Animal welfare to be protected during recovery
Publish Date: 17 Jan 11