Photo: peta.org

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford launched the Plan with Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley and Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Charles Milne at the State Control Centre in Melbourne ahead of the upcoming fire season.

Developed in line with Victoria’s emergency framework, the new updated plan outlines how the community and emergency services can work together to better manage animal welfare before, during and immediately after emergencies such as fires, floods and extreme weather events.

It covers all animals, including wildlife, and sets out the particular roles and responsibilities for animal owners, farmers, breeders, businesses, the community, government organisations and Victoria’s emergency services to ensure the welfare of all animals during an emergency.

The plan also incorporates the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission’s recommendation to include more consideration of the bond between humans and animals in its planning to enhance public safety and reduce animal suffering in emergency situations.

Animals play an important role in emergencies. People will often not leave their properties without their animals or without knowing their animals are safe, putting themselves at risk.

Knowing your animals are safe can make all the difference during an emergency. For more information please visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au.