Animal Emergency Plan

Its imperative that you have an emergency plan for you and your family, but do you have an emergency plan for your animals?

“Residents across the Warrumbungle Shire are encouraged to start to make plans for emergency evacuations for their animals,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “With the bushfire danger period now in place from 1 October to 31 March, now is the time to start putting together emergency evacuation plans for both livestock and beloved pets.” 

“Bushfire is the most common natural disaster threatening the Warrumbungle Shire and pets and livestock can be extremely vulnerable during a bushfire,” said Cr Doolan.  

During the 2017 Sir Ivan Fire, the lives of approximately 2000 sheep, 56 cattle, 90 goats, 26 dogs and cats, 36 poultry and 3 alpacas were lost. 

“Preparation of an Animal Emergency Plan and a Bushfire Survival Plan could be the key to preventing a large amount of stock loss. Establishing a safe paddock, eliminating fuel loads and making an animal emergency kit could help protect your stock,” said Cr Doolan. 

Creating an Animal Emergency Plan could take five minutes but could reduce the risk of your pets and livestock being harmed or lost in an emergency. Visit the NSW Rural Fire Service’s website for guidance on how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan.

The NSW Government has prepared a number of resources in collaboration with a range of organisations to help residents be prepared for emergencies. Visit the NSW State Emergency Service’s Get Ready Animals webpage to find resources on preparing your pets and livestock for an emergency.

“Emergencies can be a very stressful time and without these plans the situation can be made more stressful. So, make sure you have your plan ready,” concluded Cr Doolan. 

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Last Updated: 18 Oct 2021