Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

Definitions and Acronyms

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Definitions

Term	Definition
Agency	A Government agency, including Commonwealth, State or local government authority.
Animal	Companion animals, livestock including horses and poultry, wildlife, birds, and fish [Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1986].
Animal welfare	How an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behaviour, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter/killing. Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal; the treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. [OIE May 2008 - International Office of Animal Health].
Biosecurity	The protection of the economy, the environment, social amenity or human health from negative impacts associated with the entry, establishment or spread of animal or plant pests and disease, or invasive plant and animal species.
Command	The direction of personnel and resources of an agency in the performance of that organisation’s role and tasks. Authority to command is established in legislation or by agreement within an agency (Emergency Management Manual of Victoria,{EMMV, 2010}).
Companion Animal	Any non-human vertebrate animal kept for the purpose of companionship, recreation, protection or work with the following exclusions: a) animals kept exclusively for agricultural production on premises legally zoned or licensed for agricultural activities, b) horses kept solely for racing purposes (under Racing Act provisions), or c) any class, group, type or species declared by Governor in Council as being exempt. (Victorian Parliament Social Development Committee May 1989 'Inquiry into the Role and Welfare of Companion Animals in Society').
Control	The overall direction of response activities in an emergency. Authority for control is established in legislation or in an emergency response plan, and carries with it the responsibility for tasking other agencies in accordance with the needs of the situation. Control relates to situations and operates horizontally across agencies.
Control agency	An agency nominated to control the response activities for a specified type of emergency (EMMV, 2010).
Coordination	Co-ordination involves the bringing together of agencies and resources to ensure effective response to and recovery from emergencies. The main functions of co-ordination are: In relation to response, ensuring that effective control has been established and maintained, and The systematic acquisition and allocation of resources in accordance with the requirements imposed by emergencies. Co-ordination operates throughout the management of response and recovery activities. Victoria Police is the co-ordination agency for response and the Department of Human Services is the co-ordination agency for recovery (EMMV, 2010).
Emergency	An emergency due to the actual or imminent occurrence of an event which in any way endangers or threatens to endanger the safety or health of any person in Victoria or which destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, any property in Victoria, or endangers or threatens to endanger the environment or an element of the environment in Victoria (EMMV, 2010).
Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator	Refer to State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator.
Emergency Relief	The provision of life support and essential needs to persons affected by an emergency (EMMV, 2010).
Emergency Relief Centre	A building or place established to provide life support and essential needs to persons affected by an emergency (including evacuees). Emergency relief centres are established on a temporary basis to cope with the immediate needs of those affected during the initial response to the emergency. They do not imply any longer-term use of facilities as a location for recovery services (EMMV, 2010).
Emergency Response Coordinator	A member of the Victoria Police appointed as state, regional, municipal or field emergency response co-ordinator, whose role is to co-ordinate the response to an emergency. Included in this role is arranging for the provision of resources requested by control and support agencies. A Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator (MERC) will advise the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator of the potential need for supplementary resources. The Regional Emergency Response Coordinator (RERC) will arrange to provide regional resources requested by a MERC, or if necessary, elevate the resource request to the State Emergency Response Coordinator (SERC) (EMMV, 2010).
Evacuation	The planned relocation of persons from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer areas and eventual return’. ‘Evacuation may be undertaken…on their own volition and independent of any advice, or it may be after an assessment of information provided by a control agency’. (Extract from the EMMV, Part 3 - State Emergency Response Plan - Community Safety – Evacuation).
Fodder	Feed for livestock such as hay, or pre-prepared feedstuffs designed specifically for livestock.
Livestock	(a) Any animal kept for the purposes of primary production, including cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, ratites, buffalo, camels, alpacas, goats and deer; or (b) horses, including where used for recreation; or (c) any animals prescribed as livestock (Livestock Management Act, 2010).
Organisation	Any non-government or not for profit entity, company or authority.
Persons in Charge of animals	A person who is the owner or has the animal in their possession or custody, or under the person’s care, control or supervision and any employee or agent of the owner of the animal.
Recovery	The assisting of persons and communities affected by emergencies to achieve a proper and effective level of functioning (EMMV, 2010).
Salvage slaughter	The processing of animals through an abattoir. Livestock impacted by an emergency, suitable for salvage slaughter are those that do not show signs of distress and are fit enough to be transported.
State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator	A role established by DPI when an emergency requires statewide coordination of animal welfare service arrangements across multiple agencies and organisations. The SEAWC manages the State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit when activated.
State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit	A unit established by DPI to assist in the state-wide coordination of animal welfare services and resources. The unit will operate within a DPI state level incident management structure (when in place) or that of a control agency.
Support agency	An agency which provides services, personnel, or material to support or assist a control agency or affected persons. DPI is the primary Agency for companion animal and livestock welfare support services. DSE is the primary Agency for wildlife welfare support services (EMMV, 2010).
Triage	The process of determining the priority of veterinary treatment based on the severity of an animal’s condition. This rations veterinary treatment efficiently when resources are insufficient for all to be treated immediately.
Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee	A consultative forum that provides ongoing leadership and oversight in the development and review of plans and policies relating to emergency animal welfare management. Membership includes DPI (chair), DSE, RSPCA, MAV, local government and AVA
Wildlife	Any vertebrate animal indigenous to Australia, some non-indigenous vertebrates (deer and game birds declared to be wildlife under the Wildlife Act, 1975), any terrestrial invertebrates listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, 1988, and does not include fish within the meaning of the Fisheries Act, 1995.

Acronyms

Acronym	Definition
AVA	Australian Veterinary Association (Victorian Division)
CFA	Country Fire Authority
DHS DPI	Department of Human Services Department of Primary Industries
DSE	Department of Sustainability and Environment
EMMV	Emergency Management Manual of Victoria
IC	Incident Controller
IMT	Incident Management Team
IMS	Incident Management System
LGO	Local Government Officer
MAV	Municipal Association of Victoria
MECC	Municipal Emergency Co-ordination Centre
MERC	Municipal Emergency Response Co-ordinator
MERO MFB	Municipal Emergency Resource Officer Metropolitan Fire Brigade
PAS	Pet Animal Shelter
POCTA	Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1986
PV	Parks Victoria
RSPCA	Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
SEAWC	State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator
SCC	State Control Centre
SERCC	State Emergency Response Co-ordination Centre
SERO	State Emergency Response Officer of Victoria Police
SES	State Emergency Service
SIGs	Special Interest Groups
VEAWC	Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee
VicPol	Victoria Police
VFF	Victorian Farmers Federation

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

1.0 Introduction

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While the responsibility for the welfare of an animal remains with the person or persons in charge of that animal, many different agencies and organisations are available to assist during emergencies in Victoria. With so many different agencies and organisations assisting during an incident, whether voluntary or permanently staffed, their activities need to be coordinated to avoid duplication of effort or conflict, and ensure efficient and effective emergency planning and management of relief and recovery activities relating to animal welfare.

In February 2009, Victoria experienced widespread bushfires, which caused major destruction in rural areas, bushland and townships. Government departments and agencies, private businesses and community organisations participated in the largest coordinated emergency response, relief and recovery operation in the State’s history. The lack of a specific plan for the coordination of the significant efforts of animal welfare agencies, organisations, volunteers and individuals, coupled with the scale of the event, led to confusion, duplication of resources and lack of targeted activity in some areas.

The Bushfires Royal Commission recognised the bonds people form with animals and the significant impact these bonds can have on people’s decision making, and ultimately their safety during emergencies. The Commission noted in its findings:

“There were also a small number of cases in which people died after refusing to leave without their pets and animals or delaying their departure for too long because of concern for their animals. Evidence demonstrates that the strong ties people have with their homes and their animals have a big impact on their decision making.”(Extract from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission: Fire Preparation, Response and Recovery, Final Report Volume II) Further, the Commission noted "There does not appear to be a coordinated approach to animal welfare during relief operations. Improving agency coordination would help to provide more effective relief to all animals regardless of whether they are wildlife, stock, companion animals or pets. There is a good argument to address the welfare of all animals holistically in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria". (Bushfires Royal Commission- final report - Vol 2, Ch 8 pp 345).

“Implementing Government’s Response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission May 2011” was tabled in Parliament and provided several actions for Government related to animal welfare in emergencies. As administrator of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA), DPI was asked to review the draft Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan and did so in consultation with agencies and organisations on the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee which included the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), and the Australian Veterinary Association Victorian Division (AVA). Victoria’s 79 councils were also invited to participate in the review which looked at the roles, responsibilities and formal arrangements between the various stakeholders for the delivery of all emergency response, relief and recovery activities in relation to animal welfare.

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

2.0 Purpose and Scope

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The purpose of this document is to provide the Victorian community and emergency services with a Plan that integrates existing, everyday legislative requirements for animal welfare with the State’s formal emergency management arrangements, to achieve efficient and effective management of animals, and coordination of animal welfare support services before, during and after an emergency event. The Plan describes:

• The planning requirements for animal welfare support services in emergency preparedness, response, relief and recovery,
• The roles and responsibilities of agencies, organisations, owners and carers that have a role in planning for and providing emergency animal welfare support services, and
• Operating arrangements during an emergency for animal welfare agencies and organisations, emergency service agencies and animal owners and carers.

The scope of this Plan is to provide a coordinated approach to the management of animal welfare impacts to companion animals, livestock, and wildlife, as a direct result of an emergency incident in Victoria. This Plan provides a framework during any emergency that impacts animal welfare, to clarify responsibilities and highlight existing emergency response plans and procedures. This Plan does not replace specific agency operational emergency management plans, rather it provides for the overarching coordination between agencies and organisations.

The Plan provides for the new role of State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator (SEAWC). This role is notionally assigned to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) State Manager, Animal Health Field Services as the initial contact person for the state wide coordination of animal welfare activities. The SEAWC may convene a multi-agency advisory group, where necessary during an emergency, to assist with state wide coordination of animal welfare arrangements. Decisions regarding implementation of specific operational plans reside with respective agencies and organisations.

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

3.0 Guiding Principles

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In implementing this Plan the following principles apply:

• The safety and welfare of all people is the overarching priority at all times.
• The responsibility for the welfare of animals at all times remains with the person in charge of an animal.
• Emergency arrangements for animal welfare do not override normal legislative functions however the given circumstances may call for discretion in managing compliance given potential risks to human life or other practical limitations perceived to be present during the emergency.
• This Plan does not replace animal welfare arrangements described in existing emergency plans (ie. AUSVETPLAN and plans relating to cetacean entanglements or strandings and marine pollution).
• Organisations may strive for higher animal welfare standards than outlined in this document.
• While arrangements described in this Plan are typical, it is recognised that a Control Agency may recommend additional or alternative actions at the incident, regional or state level to meet the needs of the particular emergency.
• As the capacity and capability of agencies and organisations in animal welfare services will change, an adaptive, flexible and whole of government approach to arrangements is essential to ensuring the objectives of this Plan are met.

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

4.0 Authority and Governance

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The Emergency Management Act, 1986 provides for the organisation of emergency management in Victoria. The Emergency Management Manual Victoria (EMMV) contains the state’s principal emergency policy and planning documents and includes the State Emergency Response Plan and the State Emergency Relief and Recovery Plan.

The custodian of this Plan is the Department of Primary Industries and it is intended to be a reference for all other agencies, organisations, groups and individuals with responsibility for animal welfare during emergencies.

This Plan is a reference for use in the development of Municipal Emergency Management Plans (MEMPlans) and Domestic Animal Management Plans and provides guidance to other non-government organisation plans with respect to animal welfare arrangements in Victoria.

Legislative Links

This Plan should be read in conjunction with relevant legislation and plans that may identify further strategies, arrangements and resources that assist planning and delivery of animal welfare services following an emergency event in Victoria. Relevant documents include but are not limited to:

• Emergency Management Act, 1986

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act ,1986 (POCTA)

• Domestic Animals Act, 1994
• Livestock Management Act, 2010
• Impounding of Livestock Act, 1994
• Wildlife Act, 1975
• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, 1988
• Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act, 2004

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

5.0 Emergencies Impacting Animal Welfare

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Part 7 of the EMMV lists a number of specific animal welfare emergencies, for example emergency animal disease events and cetacean emergencies. In these cases, the EMMV assigns responsibility for managing an emergency, and hence animal welfare, to specific agencies. In other emergencies listed under the EMMV, such as bushfire, floods and marine pollution events, impacts on animal welfare may be incidental to the broader emergency. If animals are impacted during these emergencies, the EMMV details that:

• DPI is the primary agency for livestock and companion animal welfare support services.
• DSE is the primary agency for wildlife welfare support services.

As primary agencies with animal welfare support responsibilities, DPI and DSE have a role in establishing links with other agencies and organisations with emergency responsibilities as well as those organisations involved in the management of animal welfare to ensure resources and capability are directed in the most efficient manner towards relief activities. This coordinated effort might include others such as Parks Victoria (PV), local government, RSPCA, local veterinarians (including the AVA), the VFF, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups and other volunteer groups involved with assisting relief and recovery of animals after emergencies.
Table 1 describes the emergencies listed under the EMMV that are likely to have animal welfare implications, the relevant control agency and primary state government animal welfare support agency as well as associated plans and procedures that describe specific operational arrangements. The table does not list the numerous other support agencies or organisations that will have a role in the delivery of specific animal welfare services.
If an emergency that involves animal welfare occurs, and specific plans and procedures are not defined, this Plan (or other relevant plans) may be used to guide an appropriate response.
Appendix 2 provides a generic example of the organisational structure that could be developed in the case of a large scale emergency response that impacts on livestock, companion animals and/or wildlife where both DPI and DSE are support agencies.

Table 1: Specific operational plans for emergencies that impact on animal welfare

Emergency	Control Agency	Primary Agency for Animal Welfare Support	Relevant Animal Welfare Plans and Procedures
Storm (including hail), flood, tsunami, earthquake	SES	DPI – Companion Animals and Livestock DSE - Wildlife	Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan
Fire	CFA / DSE / MFB (depending on location)	DPI – Companion Animals and Livestock DSE – Wildlife	Bushfire on public land: Working with fire agencies at Bushfires: Protocols for Volunteers Involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations, DSE/CFA, October 2010 Bushfire Wildlife Rescue Initiative Role Statements and Reporting Relationships Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan
Cetacean (whale and dolphin) entanglements or strandings	DSE	DPI	Victorian Cetacean Contingency Plan Victorian Cetacean Emergency Plan (draft) Readiness and Response Plan for Large Whale Entanglement in Victoria, DSE, (Jan 2008) (draft)
Marine pollution emergencies	Department of Transport	DSE	Wildlife Response Plan for Marine Pollution Emergencies (DSE, 2007)
Emergency animal disease	DPI	DPI – Companion Animals and Livestock DSE - Wildlife	AUSVETPLAN Operational Procedures Manual: Livestock welfare and management Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan
Transport incidents (involving livestock)		DPI	Livestock Transport Incident Response Policy DPI Standard Operating Procedure: Transport Accidents Involving Livestock in Transit Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan
Hazardous spills or leaks (gas leaks, chemical, oil, radioactive or biological)	Gas, Chemical, Oil (CFA,MFB) Biological and radioactive (Dept of Health)	DPI – Companion Animals and Livestock DSE - Wildlife	Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan
Drought		DPI – Companion Animals and Livestock DSE - Wildlife	Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

6.0 Authority and Governance

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In the event of an emergency, animal welfare may be compromised if management arrangements are not effectively in place. Companion animals, livestock and wildlife impacted by emergencies may need containment, food, water, veterinary treatment or humane destruction and burial. While healthy wildlife should be left in their natural habitat, companion animals and livestock might require temporary shelter or holding facilities.
Before, during and after an emergency, persons in charge of animals retain the ultimate ‘duty of care’ to provide for their needs. In the event of an emergency, a number of government agencies and non-government organisations contribute to improved animal welfare outcomes by providing or facilitating a range of animal welfare support services. This Plan defines “animal welfare support services” as including, but not limited to, the following activities:

• Planning for animals in the event of an emergency,
• Identification of affected animals,
• Management of displaced animals (including evacuated animals),
• Animal welfare assessment, veterinary treatment, humane destruction, salvage slaughter and disposal,
• Provision of emergency pet food, livestock fodder and water,
• Coordination of donations and offers of assistance, and
• Longer term recovery needs.

The section below provides further information on animal welfare services and the role of primary and secondary support agencies and organisations in providing these services.

6.1 Planning for animals in the event of an emergency

Planning prior to an emergency event ensures best practice is achieved. As defined in POCTA, the person in charge of an animal has primary responsibility (duty of care) to ensure it is protected from unnecessary pain or suffering.

For those in charge of animals, including companion animal owners, livestock owners and wildlife shelter operators and foster carers, planning for emergencies is critical. Personal safety plans and household or property plans should include contingencies for animals that will either remain on the property or be evacuated during an emergency (Refer to Appendix 1 for further sources of information).

It is acknowledged that in the event of an emergency, standards of animal care may be compromised. Those in charge of animals may have to evacuate quickly, potentially leaving animals behind, and may be restricted in their ability to care for animals.

For this reason, the underpinning principle in addressing animal welfare in an emergency is for those in charge to take pre-emptive action by planning for animal needs and leaving early so that welfare problems can be avoided or minimised.

For agencies and organisations involved in the provision of animal welfare services, planning should include:

• Developing and reviewing plans and procedures,
• Conducting training and exercises,
• Ensuring contacts are current across government and non government agencies and organisations, and
• Contributing to relevant committees and forums.

DPI and DSE ensure consistency of animal welfare arrangements within the various tiers of emergency management plans, including the EMMV, the State Emergency Relief and Recovery Plan and the State Emergency Relief Handbook.

DPI and DSE assist Local Government to ensure appropriate emergency animal welfare arrangements are described in Municipal Emergency Management Plans.

6.2 Identification of affected animals

Dogs and cats: Victorian law requires that dogs and cats are registered with their local council and are preferably microchipped to ensure they are permanently identified. Registering or micro chipping assists in companion animal identification in situations where they stray or are evacuated as a result of an emergency and require reuniting with their owner.

Livestock: The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia's system for identifying and tracking beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats from their property of birth to slaughter. Livestock owners involved in the sale of animals are required to register animals under this scheme, which can be used in an emergency event to assist in the identification of evacuated or stray animals. While it is advised that horses are identified using a microchip, this is not a legal requirement. However, owners are strongly encouraged to have horses microchipped and registered on a licensed animal registry.

Local government (companion animals) and DPI (livestock) can assist in the identification of affected animals that are registered, microchipped or identified through the NLIS.

6.3 Management of displaced animals (including evacuated animals)

• Managing evacuated animals at Emergency Relief Centres

Proactive management of animals in evacuation procedures will improve animal welfare outcomes. If animals are not included in evacuation processes, some people will experience heightened anxiety about the evacuation and may choose to remain with the animals and risk their lives.
As stated in the EMMV, Local Government is responsible for the coordination of the provision and operation of emergency relief centres or shelters. In doing so, it is highly recommended that plans include procedures for animals that may present at these sites.
Non-government animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA, may have resources to support evacuated animals at relief and other centres.
Victoria’s standards for animal containment and care are provided for in Codes of Practice, which may not be fully achievable or appropriate in emergency situations. DPI can provide advice on requirements for evacuated animals for control and support agencies in emergency situations (Refer to Appendix 1).

• Emergency containment of deplaced animals

Displaced companion animals or livestock may become a hazard and require emergency containment or impoundment. The Impounding of Livestock Act 1994 and the Domestic Animals Act 1994 detail the powers and requirements of land owners or occupiers, and agencies in relation to impounding activities as well as conditions under which animals must be kept to ensure welfare needs are met and future welfare problems avoided (eg. food, water and shelter requirements). Agencies involved in impounding animals may vary depending on the type and location of the animal. However, local government is an appropriate first contact point for reports of displaced animals.

6.4 Animal welfare assessment, veterinary treatment, humane destruction, salvage slaughter and disposal

Every effort should be made to minimise the level of pain and suffering of affected animals with the resources available. Critical to this is the timing of assessment, treatment, humane destruction or salvage slaughter activities.

• Animal Welfare Assessment

DPI (companion animals and livestock) and DSE (wildlife) are responsible for assessing the direct impacts of an emergency on animals. This process entails scoping the incident, its impact and consequences, then defining appropriate objectives, tactics and resource needs to enable an effective response.

If owners or emergency agency personnel become aware of an animal welfare assessment need, contact with DPI will assist a prompt response. On-ground assessment activities will commence once authorisation to enter impacted areas has been given by the control agency.

DPI managed assessment teams comprised of officers authorised under POCTA will primarily be used to undertake on-ground assessment of companion animals and livestock. Similarly authorised RSPCA officers may assist, particularly with the assessment of companion animals. Animals will be assessed based on the need for treatment, immediate humane destruction or salvage slaughter.

For wildlife impacted by an emergency, scoping of animal welfare objectives, tactics and required resources will be undertaken by an officer located within the local Incident Management Team (IMT), in accordance with the relevant plan or protocol. On-ground assessment and rescue activities can commence once authorisation to enter impacted areas has been given by the Incident Controller. Animal welfare needs are determined, under the direction of DSE, by wildlife rescue teams (frequently including volunteers), who will determine whether affected wildlife require any intervention or treatment.

• Treatment

When veterinary treatment of animals is required, animal owners and carers will normally be advised by assessment teams to seek veterinary advice from a private veterinarian. In large scale emergencies, when private veterinarians may be operating beyond capacity, additional triage sites may be established to treat (or euthanase if necessary) animals impacted by the emergency.

The need for additional support (voluntary veterinarians, vet nurses or veterinarian supplies) for local practices will be facilitated by the AVA. The AVA can also facilitate resources for additional triage sites where established. The need for additional triage sites may be identified by local government, DPI, DSE or local veterinary practitioners. The RSPCA is also able to establish or support treatment activities at triage sites.

When triage sites have been established animal welfare assessment teams managed by DPI will make owners and carers aware of these sites.
DSE-managed Wildlife Rescue Teams will arrange for the rescue and transport of injured wildlife to local vet clinics, authorised wildlife rehabilitators, or established triage sites for treatment, depending on the scale of the emergency.

• Humane destruction or salvage slaughter

It is the responsibility of the person in charge of animals to arrange for the humane destruction or salvage slaughter of emergency affected animals where the animals will continue to suffer if they remain alive, or where the animals have little or no chance of survival. DPI will assist in the humane destruction or salvage slaughter of animals when the person in charge cannot (or will not) perform the necessary actions to alleviate the suffering of their animals. POCTA authorised, trained and equipped officers (eg. from the RSPCA or local government ) may also assist.

Wherever possible, destruction activities will take place in consultation with the person in charge of affected animals. In situations where owners cannot be found, indemnity for immediate destruction in their absence is provided by Section 21(ii) of POCTA.

The various wildlife emergency plans and protocols detail the procedures for euthanasing wildlife. Under the Bushfire Protocols, which can be applied in other emergency events, the triage veterinarian is responsible for assessing the need for euthanasia. While it is prohibited to destroy native wildlife under the Wildlife Act, registered veterinary practitioners and appropriately accredited officers and volunteers who destroy wildlife in accordance with POCTA are exempt.

Methods of destruction of animals must be consistent with the relevant Code of Practice, such as the Codes of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Animals (species specific in the case of livestock), Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, and Code of Practice for the Welfare of Wildlife During Rehabilitation (Refer to Appendix 1).

• Disposal

The timing of animal carcass disposal is critical since any delay not only poses a risk to human health and the environment, but also the morale of emergency personnel and the affected community. It is critical that approved methods of carcass disposal are utilised and procedures are followed to minimise inherent risks of disposal, including biosecurity, environmental contamination or the spread of disease.

A number of on-farm and off-farm options exist for the disposal of animal carcasses resulting from an emergency, including licensed landfills, knackeries and rendering facilities, and high temperature incineration. Disposal on private land and government owned sites such as unlicensed or decommissioned landfill sites may be allowed subject to section 30A (Environment Protection Act) approval from the EPA and will require the development of a site management plan.

The EMMV lists municipal councils as responsible for the coordination of clean up activities in an emergency, including disposal of dead animals (livestock and wildlife).
The EMMV also lists DPI as the provider of advice regarding the disposal of dead or maimed animals, including location, type and number of animals to be disposed. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is listed in the EMMV to ensure that appropriate disposal methods are adopted for wastes resulting from response activities.
In the event of an emergency, DPI will liaise with local government regarding the carcass disposal needs of livestock and companion animals and with the assistance of the EPA, can assist Local Government to identify suitable sites for disposal.

For wildlife, where a response is based on the Bushfire Protocols, it is the responsibility of the triage veterinarian (when in place) to work with Local Government to oversee the disposal of carcasses of euthanased wildlife. Arrangements for other wildlife emergencies are detailed under the relevant plans and protocols.

6.5 Provision of emergency pet food, livestock fodder and water

In emergency situations, allocation of feed and water will likely be based on meeting the basic needs to ensure survival. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of animals to plan for and provide feed and water for impacted animals.

Animals require access to clean drinking water. Emergencies may impact on water quality or supply leading to the need to supply alternative water sources. In large scale emergencies, pet food and fodder may be donated, leading to the establishment of distribution points.

DPI will work with owners to assess emergency fodder and water needs of animals on properties it assesses, and direct animal owners to fodder depots, distribution centres and water points established by either the managing local government or water authority.

Longer term fodder and water supplies are the responsibility of the person in charge of animals. In situations where the minimum needs of animals are unlikely to be met, consideration will need to be given to sale, agistment, slaughter or humane destruction.

The person in charge of animals will be encouraged to make their own arrangements in relation to the collection of pet food, fodder and water. Where this is not possible, DPI will report any transport assistance needs to fodder depots or Municipal Emergency Coordination Centres where assistance may be arranged.

6.6 Coordination of donations and offers of assistance

• Material animal aid including fodder and pet food

Donations of material animal aid in addition to pet food, fodder and veterinary supplies may also be made in large scale emergencies. DPI and the RSPCA will refer offers and donations of fodder, pet food and other material aid to established distribution points. Referrals will be informed by needs identified through assessment activities and requests for assistance. AVA will direct offers of veterinary supplies to local practices or triage sites. Local government may also manage donations it receives.

• Volunteers

Volunteer groups with an interest in livestock and companion animal welfare can pre-register their services with DPI’s Bureau of Animal Welfare. Wildlife volunteers are generally organised via the existing network of wildlife foster carers and shelter operators that are known to DSE. Volunteer veterinarians and veterinary nurses can register interest through the AVA. Local government also has a role in providing and/or coordinating volunteer helpers (EMMV).

DPI, DSE and Local Government may proactively contact volunteer groups based on advice from an Incident Controller, or requests for assistance.

Delivery of animal services by volunteers may include support of triage sites, management of animals at emergency relief centres, and the distribution of fodder to areas declared safe to enter. Volunteers will not be used for livestock and companion animal welfare assessment activities due to safety and authorisation requirements under POCTA.

For wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, use of volunteers and the type of activities they can undertake will vary depending on the emergency. As such, reference should be made to specific emergency plans and protocols (Refer to Table 1).

Volunteers are required to work within established emergency management structures to ensure personal safety, prevent duplication and ensure the efficient and effective use of resources. For these reasons, volunteers will be required to abide by established volunteer management processes which may include pre-requisite training and accreditation needs, registration, communication and reporting procedures, personal protective equipment needs and other safety measures.

6.7 Long term recovery needs

Information collected by DPI and DSE on animal impacts during the course of an emergency will inform government rehabilitation or recovery projects following significant emergency events.

In the case of livestock, consideration should be given to fencing (for safe ongoing containment), feed planning and pasture management, water supplies including dam management, and animal health considerations, which will vary depending on the incident type (eg. flystrike, foot rot).
In the case of wildlife, rehabilitation plans for high significance flora and fauna may be developed.

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

7.0 Roles and Responsibilities

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Emergencies are likely to pose risks to animal welfare. Concurrently owners and carers of animals may be under great stress. The primary responsibility and duty of care remains with the person in charge of an animal. However, given the uncertainty created, emergency animal support services are available. A brief description of the roles and responsibilities of persons in charge of animals, agencies and organisations is provided below.

7.1 Persons in charge of animals

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction

Personal safety plans, household or property plans should be developed, practiced and implemented. These plans should consider arrangements for animals, including: Animal identification in the event animals stray, are rescued, or abandoned. Options for and needs of re-located or evacuated animals (identification and health records, transport, agistment options, relief centres, boarding houses, feed and water supplies). Needs of animals left behind (refuge areas, containment, feed and water supplies). Needs of surviving animals (treatment, containment, feed and water supplies, power generation). Key contact numbers in the event animals are impacted (vets, DPI, local government).

Response

Activate personal safety plans, household or property plans.

7.2 Animal Welfare Organisations

Relief

Relief functions provided by these groups vary, but may include: Assisting in the establishment and resourcing of triage sites. Provision of veterinary and animal treatment services. Provision of boarding facilities and portable housing. Distribution of donated pet food and fodder. Maintaining agistment registers. Assistance with animal transport.

7.3 Australian Veterinary Association (Victorian Division)

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Maintain a volunteer data base of veterinarians and veterinary nurses.
Response	In level 2 and 3 incidents (refer to 8.2), the AVA will activate its Emergency Taskforce to: Contact AVA members and other relevant stakeholders who may be affected to gather information about the situation. Inform AVA members and other relevant stakeholders about the emergency response. Utilise the resources of the AVA Communications Team as appropriate. Assist DSE and DPI with the dissemination of relevant information.
Relief	Facilitate communication between veterinarians and the AVA through activation of the 1300 number, mobile telephone contact and electronic communications. Facilitate contact with volunteer “Triage Veterinarians” - defined as persons with current veterinary qualifications responsible for the appropriate treatment of injured animals and who will be responsible for the management and tasking of Volunteer Triage Assistants and Volunteer Triage Record Keepers.” Assist in the identification of veterinarians and practices within affected regions. Support veterinarians and practices to care for animals [emergency & long-term] & monitor the level of support being provided by veterinarians & practices [including pro bono work]. Liaise with pharmaceutical companies using their distribution networks to transport essential supplies Work with veterinarians in the proximity to affected areas, and facilitate access for volunteer veterinarians to requisite supplies, for example, by storing locked bags. Liaise with Zoos Victoria in the dissemination of information and advice for veterinarians regarding the treatment of wildlife. Prepare & distribute fact sheets & other technical information to veterinarians treating injured animals. Report unmet animal welfare needs arising from the emergency to relevant agencies and organisations.
Recovery	Advise the AVA Benevolent Fund of veterinarians in difficult financial circumstances as a result of the emergency.

7.4 Country Fire Authority

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Ensure animal welfare arrangements are represented in state level incident response plans. Work with DPI and DSE in the development and delivery of appropriate animal welfare messages in community education programs.
Response	As a control agency, ensure approved animal welfare messages are provided to the community and media. Ensure animal welfare and other rural issues identified through rapid impact assessment activities are referred to DPI or DSE.

7.5 Department of Human Services

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Ensure animal welfare is represented in state and regional relief and recovery plans.
Relief	Ensure animal welfare requests for assistance are referred in accordance with established protocols.

7.6 Department of Primary Industries

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Represent DPI and the state’s animal welfare arrangements on relevant emergency management and animal welfare committees and forums. Communicate emergency animal welfare arrangements and operational requirements to relevant stakeholders. Provide advice to agencies, organisations and the community regarding animal welfare management in emergencies and risk management planning. Maintain this Plan.
Response	Provide advice to control and support agencies regarding the impact, or potential impact of an emergency on animal welfare, including biosecurity (disease) risks and management strategies. Liaise with relevant animal welfare agencies and organisations to enable effective and timely delivery of animal welfare services during an emergency. Develop information for the public and media relating to the management of livestock and companion animals impacted by the emergency, for release through the Incident Controller.
Relief	Liaise with animal welfare support agencies and organisations to ensure effective allocation of resources. Identify and assess injured and affected animals (livestock and companion animals). Provide advice on options for treatment, humane destruction or emergency salvage slaughter. Refer treatment needs to triage points (when established and where relevant). Where necessary, assist with humane destruction of injured or affected animals. Advise local government of containment needs of stray or roaming animals and disposal needs of dead or injured animals (e.g. location, number and type of animals). Assess fodder and water needs of impacted animals and advise distribution bodies of needs (quantity, type, location). Provide advice to DSE regarding wildlife welfare response. Direct animal welfare organisations, volunteer groups or community groups wanting to contribute. Assess and report losses and damage to agricultural assets and animals, and needs of affected persons and communities to government. Investigate complaints relevant to animal welfare.
Recovery	Provide advice to individuals, communities, agencies and government on strategies for the re-establishment of rural enterprises and economic recovery. Provide advice about fencing (for safe ongoing containment), feed planning and pasture management, water supplies including dam management, and animal health considerations, which will vary depending on the incident type (eg. flystrike, foot rot).

7.7 Department of Sustainability and Environment

General wildlife welfare responsibilities
Prevention / Mitigation / Risk Reduction Activities	Communicate emergency wildlife welfare arrangements to relevant stakeholders.
Response Activities	Provide advice to response agencies regarding the impact of an emergency on flora and fauna. Develop information for the public and media relating to the management of wildlife impacted by the emergency, for release through the Incident Controller.
Relief Activities	Ensure the treatment and care of wildlife is conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and codes of practice (the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Wildlife during Rehabilitation incorporated under POCT). Provide advice on requirements for the humane destruction of injured wildlife.
Recovery Activities	Provide advice on wildlife carcass disposal needs to local government, where required or appropriate. Provide advice to land management agencies and the community on flora and fauna rehabilitation. Manage initiative projects relevant to flora and fauna rehabilitation on crown land.
Bushfire
Prevention / Mitigation / Risk Reduction Activities	Develop or maintain and communicate protocols that describe restrictions and standards to be used by wildlife volunteers (training needs, personal protective equipment (PPE), communications, fatigue management and other OHS requirements).
Relief Activities	Provide a coordinated response for the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife affected by fire. Manage the activities of approved wildlife volunteers.
Marine pollution
Relief Activities	Provide a coordinated response to dealing with wildlife impacted by marine pollution, including oil or chemical spills, under the Wildlife Response Plan for Marine Pollution Emergencies.
Cetacean Strandings and Entanglements
Prevention / Mitigation / Risk Reduction Activities	Develop and facilitate programs in conjunction with DPI to reduce the incidence of cetacean entanglements.
Response Activities	Provide a coordinated response to cetacean strandings, for either living or deceased animals, under the Victorian Cetacean Emergency Plan. Provide a coordinated response to cetacean entanglements under the Victorian Cetacean Emergency Plan.
Relief Activities	Oversee carcass management on the foreshore of crown lands managed directly by DSE.
Wildlife affected by disease
Response	Support Agency for response to wildlife affected by disease.

7.8 Local Government

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk Reduction	Ensure emergency relief and recovery components of Municipal Emergency Management Plans detail local arrangements and providers for relevant animal welfare services including consideration of the following: DPI (companion animals and livestock) and DSE (wildlife) contacts for animal assessment activities, carcass transport providers and disposal sites, options for the management of displaced animals, including those presenting at emergency relief centres, potential sites for donated fodder distribution, alternative emergency water sources for animals, and systems for the management of offers of assistance or donations made to local government. Communicate municipal animal welfare contacts and arrangements to relevant stakeholders. Reference animal welfare information in publications and websites to assist broader community awareness, education and understanding.
Response	Liaise with relevant animal welfare agencies and organisations to enable effective and timely delivery of council’s animal welfare services. This will typically be done at the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC). Develop information for the public and media relating to the management of animals impacted by the emergency (domestic, livestock and wildlife) for release through the Incident Controller.
Relief	Provide assistance with urgent animal welfare needs, including emergency shelter, catering or fodder and veterinary needs for companion animals and livestock. Manage donated goods and services offered to the municipality. Emergency confinement of deplaced animals within the local government area. Referral of animal welfare needs to responsible animal welfare agencies and organisations. Coordination of clean up activities, including disposal of dead animals (companion, livestock, wildlife and feral). Provide a municipal point of contact for other agencies and organisations (e.g. CFA, DPI, RSPCA, AVA), in relation to animal welfare needs or issues. Make provisions for animals presenting at emergency relief centres. Consideration should be given to: Companion animal admission, identification and record keeping, Secure and functional housing or holding facilities and their proximity to evacuation sites, Feed and water requirements, Access to veterinary treatment for injuries, illness and humane destruction, Identifying and contacting owners, Animals requiring specialist attention (such as horses and wildlife), Referral of animals with special needs, or that are unable to be supported by the relief centre, to appropriate shelters or containment facilities. Staff health and safety.

7.9 Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victorian Branch)

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Lead the annual review of the RSPCA Emergency Response Plan and associated documents.
Relief	Undertake animal welfare assessment activities in accordance with established emergency management structures. Report animal welfare needs in accordance with established emergency reporting systems and processes. Manage the distribution of donations made to RSPCA to established distribution centres (eg. fodder depots). (Donations made to Burwood to be communicated to the RSPCA State Liaison Officer who will identify sites in need). Provide advice to pet owners on issues relating to animal welfare. Respond, where appropriate, to requests for animal welfare resources, in accordance with the State’s emergency resource supplementation process. (Requests for RSPCA resources should be directed through the State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit and State RSPCA Liaison Officer).
Recovery	Provide advice to pet owners on issues relating to animal welfare.

7.10 Victoria Police

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Ensure animal welfare is represented in state response plans.
Response	Ensure arrangements are in place at traffic management points that allow effective and timely deliver of animal welfare services. Ensure animal welfare and other rural issues identified through rapid impact assessment activities being referred to DPI or DSE.

7.11 Victorian State Emergency Service

Prevention / Mitigation / Risk reduction	Ensure animal welfare arrangements are represented in state level incident response plans. Work with DPI and DSE in the development and delivery of appropriate animal welfare messages in community education programs.
Response	As a control agency, ensure approved animal welfare messages are provided to the community and media. Ensure animal welfare and other rural issues identified through rapid impact assessment activities are referred to DPI or DSE

7.12 Wildlife Shelters and Carers

Relief and Recovery

Provide assistance in wildlife rescue, recovery and relief activities in line with conditions and standards outlined in relevant plans and protocols. Where appropriately authorised, provide treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife affected by emergencies, with the intent to release to the wild once recovered.

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

8.0 Operating Principles

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8.1 Incident Management Systems

An Incident Management System (IMS) is used by control and support agencies involved in responding to an emergency in Victoria. The foundation of the IMS structure is typically the Incident Controller and Incident Management Team (IMT) or project team which performs functions that include operations, logistics, and public information, in support of the emergency response.

Where DPI or DSE are the control agency, animal welfare activities will be undertaken as part of their control agency responsibilities.

Where DSE and/or DPI are a support agency in an emergency, both will ensure animal welfare activities are consistent with the control agency’s response structure and procedures.
Appendix 2 provides a generic example of the structure that could be developed in the case of a large scale emergency response that impacts on livestock, companion animals or wildlife where both DPI and DSE are support agencies.

8.2 State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator

The State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator (SEAWC) will be activated when an incident occurs that requires the statewide coordination of animal welfare service arrangements across multiple agencies and organisations.

The SEAWC is responsible for:

• Ensuring that the welfare of livestock and companion animals is appropriately considered during emergency response and relief operations, in accordance with the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan,
• Liaising with relevant animal welfare agencies and organisations (DSE, AVA, RSPCA, MAV, VFF, other Animal Welfare Organisations) to enable effective and timely preparedness and delivery of animal welfare services during an emergency,
• Actively identifying and seeking solutions to operational and policy issues relevant to emergency animal welfare,
• Managing direct reports within the State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit, and
• Provide expert advise to DPI Animal Welfare Liaison Officers operating at the local incident level.

The State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit when activated, will operate within a DPI state level incident management structure (when in place) or that of a control agency.

8.3 Preparedness and response

There are three tiers of incident control applicable for emergency response in Victoria and three categories of emergency response relevant to an Incident Management System (EMMV).

• Tiers of Control

The three tiers of incident control – state, regional (or area of operations) and incident (or local/municipal), are established to guide agencies to achieve commonality in emergency preparedness and response and to multiagency understanding. In situations where an emergency has, or has the potential, to involve more than one agency, a State, Regional/Area of Operations and Incident Emergency Management Team (EMT) may be activated. An EMT is comprised of representatives from relevant agencies and organisations and is established, among other things, to ensure a shared situational awareness regarding the emergency.
DPI and DSE will represent respective animal welfare interests at all tiers of control by either chairing (if the control agency), or participating in EMT’s that are convened, in the event of an emergency, or in preparation for an anticipated emergency.

• Categories of Response

In the event of an emergency occurring, respective animal welfare responsibilities will be triggered in accordance with the classification given to the event:

Classification	Characteristics (EMMV)
Level 1	Resolved through the use of local resources only. Incident Controller typically performs all functions and first response teams based on local resources. Typically no deployment of resources needed beyond initial response. Example: Gas leak in a block of flats, truck rollover.
Level 2	More complex response either in size, resources or risk. Characterised by deployment of resources beyond initial response and/or sectorisation of the emergency and/or establishment of functional sections due to levels of complexity. Example: Moderate flood.
Level 3	Characterised by degrees of complexity that requires a more substantial establishment for management of the situation. The Incident Controller will usually delegate all functions other than control. Example: Major bushfire (level 3), significant earthquake (level 3+).

Prior to high risk days, DPI through the State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator will provide situational information to relevant animal welfare agencies and organisation that assists preparedness.

In the event of level 1 incidents involving animals, it is expected that issues will be resolved by local personnel, with key contacts listed in Municipal Emergency Management Plans.

In the event of more complex incidents that require or are likely to require the state wide coordination of animal welfare services and resources, DPI will convene a meeting of relevant animal welfare agencies and organisations to:

• Clarify the roles and responsibilities of agencies and organisations against this Plan and confirm contact details, and
• Confirm communication channels and reporting arrangements.

8.4 Rapid Impact Assessment

Control agencies are responsible for instigating and managing rapid impact assessment (RIA) for the purposes of capturing the nature and scale of the impact of an incident (EMMV). RIA is undertaken in the first 48 hours of an incident and may lead to the early identification of animal welfare issues.

The basic information required by DPI and DSE to respond to animal welfare issues relates to the location, type and approximate number of impacted animals. This should then be referred to DPI in the case of livestock and companion animals, and DSE in the case of wildlife. This information will be used to assist DPI and DSE to scope and prioritise the delivery of animal welfare services.

8.5 Responding to the needs of companion animals, livestock and wildlife

Emergencies, and in particular natural disasters, can impact companion animals, livestock or wildlife which may be found on public or private land. Any officer authorised under POCTA is obliged to address animal suffering or report animal welfare needs to relevant agencies regardless of species or land tenure.
In principle however:

• DPI will attend to livestock and companion animal welfare assessments and refer assessments involving wildlife to DSE,
• DSE will attend to wildlife welfare assessments and refer assessments involving livestock and companion animals to DPI,
• RSPCA, upon request may support DPI with companion animal welfare assessment, or DSE by providing wildlife assessment. In the course of these duties, the RSPCA will refer any observed or reported need for animal welfare assessments involving livestock to DPI and wildlife to DSE for action, and
• Local government will refer the need for animal welfare assessments involving livestock and companion animals to DPI and wildlife to DSE.

8.6 Processes for requesting supplementary resources

When supplementary resources (personnel, equipment or services) are needed to respond to animal welfare, the principles for accessing resources defined in the EMMV “State Emergency Response Plan” will be followed. Principles are based on an agency or organisation first exhausting all resources owned or directly within their control (ie. through a pre-existing arrangement) prior to requesting assistance from elsewhere.

Both DPI and DSE can access RSPCA and interstate government resources if necessary, and facilitate access to non government volunteer groups that may not already be registered with local government. Similarly AVA can facilitate access to volunteer veterinarians.

Requests for resources should be submitted to the Emergency Response Coordinator at either the municipal, regional or state tier in accordance with the resource supplementation process described in the EMMV. These requests can then be actioned by DPI (livestock and companion animals) or DSE (wildlife).

8.7 Access to impacted areas

To ensure the safety of paid or volunteer personnel involved in animal welfare activities, authorisation to enter disaster affected areas must first be obtained from the Incident Controller. Permission to enter areas will be based on the location of restricted areas (under the Coroners Act 2008), safety considerations and personnel meeting required competencies and standards related to personal protective equipment which will vary depending on the incident type.

8.8 Information Collection and Sharing

Organisations working under the direction of DPI or DSE will use established forms and reporting systems and processes to enable comprehensive and consolidated reporting of (depersonalised) loss and damage information and referral of specific animal welfare needs.

Referral of specific animal welfare needs, including those identified through control agency rapid impact assessment, may require disclosure of personal information to other agencies or organisations involved in the provision of these services.

To ensure information sharing is consistent with the Information Privacy Act, 2000 the following principles apply:

• Wherever possible, when collecting information from affected persons for use by other agencies or organisations, the collecting party will disclose the purpose of collection to the affected person,
• Personal information will only be disclosed to other agencies or organisations involved in the management of the emergency or for the provision of relief and recovery services, and
• Agencies and organisations are required to use and share information for the original purposes for which it was obtained only, unless the collecting agency or organisation believes the use or disclosure is necessary for law enforcement purposes (Schedule 1 of the Information Privacy Act; The information privacy principles).

8.9 Contacts and Communications

All agencies and organisations are responsible for updating emergency contact lists. DPI (for companion animals and livestock) and DSE (for wildlife) will assist this process by maintaining and distributing a key contact list of relevant animal welfare stakeholders.

8.10 Training and Exercising

Agencies and organisations are responsible for understanding the competencies and level of training required by their personnel to participate in emergencies.
Opportunities will exist to practice integrated animal welfare service provision through municipal, regional and state exercises.

8.11 Evaluation and Review

In the interests of continuous improvement, all agencies and organisations should evaluate their own operational performance in relation to animal welfare responsibilities following an emergency.

DPI will also lead the annual update of this Plan with a review including a consultation process every three years. The timing of the review will be such that changes can be reflected in the annual review of the Emergency Management Manual Victoria, the State Emergency Recovery Plan, the Relief Handbook, Municipal Emergency Management Plans and other relevant agency or organisation plans.

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Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan:

Appendicies

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Appendix 1: Further Information

Animal Welfare Service	Title	Location
Planning for animals in the event of an emergency	Farm and Livestock Bushfire Plan Bushfires and Pets Horses and bushfires Horses and floods Whole farm planning Pets and emergencies	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
	Preparing your dairy farm for fire threat	www.dairyaustralia.com.au
Management of displaced animals (including evacuated animals)	Guidelines for the management of evacuated animals (under development)   Impounding of Livestock Act 1994, Procedure Manual
Identification of affected animals	Permanent Identification of Cats, Dogs and Horses	DPI Website: Animal Welfare
Animal assessment and treatment	Assessing sheep after a bushfire Assessing cattle after a bushfire	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
Humane destruction and salvage slaughter	Assessing sheep after a bushfire Assessing cattle after a bushfire Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Animals Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses Code of Practice for the Welfare of Wildlife During Rehabilitation	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies www.dse.vic.gov.au
Carcass disposal	Disposing of Carcasses in response to Bushfire, Flood or Drought	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
Emergency feeding	Weed warning: drought fire and flood Farm water supplies Drought feeding and management of sheep Drought feeding and management of Beef Cattle Drought feeding and management of horses Feeding livestock water damaged fodder.	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
Emergency water	Farm water supplies	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
Emergency containment	Emergency Stock Containment Areas Water supply for stock containment areas Agistment of livestock that have been affected by bushfires	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
Recovery	Managing farm waters supplies in drought Water quality for farm water supplies How to maintain your farm dam Organic pollution of farm dams Measuring the salinity of your water Recovery of pastures after flood	DPI Website: Fire, Flood and Other Emergencies
Wildlife welfare - fire	Fire and Biodiversity - Responding to fire affected wildlife Wildlife welfare FAQs Wildlife rescue protocols Wildlife protocols fact sheet for volunteers	DSE Website: Wildlife information
Wildlife welfare - other	Whale and Dolphin Stranding Fact Sheet Whale and Dolphin Entanglement Fact Sheet Oiled Wildlife Emergencies Fact Sheet	DSE Website: Wildlife Emergencies
Codes of Practice (Animal Welfare)
Amphibians	Code of practice for the keeping of amphibians in captivity	DPI Website: Codes of Practice for Animal Welfare
Birds	Code of practice for the housing of caged birds
Cats	Code of practice for the private keeping of cats
Cattle	Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of cattle
Deer	Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of deer
Dogs	Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria Code of practice for the private keeping of dogs
Dogs and Cats	Code of practice for the operation of boarding establishments * Code of practice for the management of dogs and cats in shelters and pounds*
Emus	Code of Practice for the Husbandry of Captive Emus (Revision 1)
Goats	Code of practice for the welfare of goats
Horses	Code of accepted practice for the welfare of horses Code of practice for the land transport of horses
Pigs	Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of pigs (revision 2) Code of practice for the land transport of pigs
Poultry	Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of poultry Code of practice for the land transport of poultry
Rabbits	Code of practice for the intensive husbandry of rabbits
Reptiles	Code of practice for the welfare of animals: Private keeping of reptiles
Saleyards	Code of practice for the welfare of animals at saleyards
Sheep	Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of sheep (revision 2)
Tethering	Code of practice for the tethering of animals
Transportation	Code of practice for the welfare of animals during transportation
Wildlife	Code of practice for the welfare of wildlife during rehabilitation

Appendix 2: Generic Organisational Structure

Generic structure depicts:

• Key points of animal welfare contact between the State Control Centre, Incident Control Centre, and Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre for a non DPI/DSE controlled incident.
• Agencies/organisations represented in the State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit

Note:

• Positions within the State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit may not all be located at a single site.
• This diagram is intended to represent key roles relevant to animal welfare only. Additional line management may be inserted (depending on incident).
• For Level 1 emergencies, reference should be made to animal welfare contacts listed in Municipal Emergency Management Plans.

Appendix 3: Contacts

Note: A separate contact directory is available for emergency management agencies and key animal welfare groups. For further information email: stateanimalwelfare@dpi.vic.gov.au 

Agency or Organisation	Preparedness	Small or Local Incident (Level 1)	Moderate or Major Incident (Level 2/3)
DPI	State: State Manager Animal Health Field Services Local: Senior Animal Health Manager	State: NA Local: Senior Animal Health Manager or delegate (as listed in Municipal Emergency Management Plan)	State: State Emergency Animal Welfare Liaison Officer Local: Animal Welfare Coordinator
DSE	State: Statewide Program Leader - Biodiversity Local: Regional Biodiversity Managers Except cetacean emergencies: State Duty Officer via Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline.	State: NA Local: Incident Controller or Planning Officer (when DSE/CFA is control agency)	State: Planning Officer Local: Incident Controller or Planning Officer or delegate (Wildlife Welfare Officer or Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator)
Local Government	State: NA Local: Municipal Emergency Resource Officer	Local: Municipal Emergency Resource Officer	1) Municipal Emergency Resource Officer 2) Local Laws Manager
AVA	State: President Local: NA	State and Local N/A	State: State AVA Liaison Officer Local: N/A
RSPCA	State: Senior RSPCA Inspector Local: NA	State: N/A Local: Senior RSPCA Inspector	State: State RSPCA Liaison Officer Local: RSPCA Operations Officer

General Information:

Organisation	Phone Number	Website
Department of Primary Industries	136186	www.dpi.vic.gov.au
Bureau of Animal Welfare (DPI)	136186	www.dpi.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare
Department of Sustainability and Environment	136186	www.dse.vic.gov.au
Department of Human Services	1300 650 172	www.dhs.vic.gov.au
Australasian Animal Record	1800 025 461	www.aar.org.au
Australian Veterinary Association	03 9600 2930	www.ava.org.au
Cat Protection Society of Victoria	(03) 9434 7155	www.catprotection.com.au
Central Animal records	1800 333 202	www.car.com.au
Dog obedience clubs		www.vca.org.au
Dogs Victoria	(03) 9788 2500	www.dogsvictoria.org.au
Donkey Shelter Inc	9436 1713
Feline Control Council	(03) 9720 8811	www.hotkey.net.au/fccvic
Ferret Rescue	0428 553 609	www.vicferrets.org.au
Governing Council of Cat Fancy	(03) 9752 4217	www.cats.org.au
Help for Wildlife	0417 380 687
Local councils		www.mav.asn.au
Lort Smith Animal Hospital	(03) 9328 3021	www.lortsmith.com
National pet register	1300 734 738	www.petregister.com.au
Petcare Information and Advisory Service		www.petnet.com.au
Petsafe	02 9476 5631	www.petsafe.com.au
Project Hope Horse Welfare Australia Inc	1300 881 606	www.phhwv.org.au
Red Cross	03 8327 7700	www.redcross.org.au
RSPCA (Victoria)	(03) 9224 2222	www.rspcavic.org
The Lost Dogs’ Home	(03) 9329 2755	www.dogshome.com
VicRoads	131 171	www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Victorian Animal Aid Trust	(03) 9275 5608	www.vaat.org.au
Victorian Bushfire Information Line	1800 240 667
Victorian Farmers Federation	1300 882 833	www.vff.org.au
Whale and Dolphin Emergencies Hotline	1300 136 017	www.dse.vic.gov.au
Wildlife Victoria	13000 94535	www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
Zoos Victoria	(03) 9285 9300	www.zoo.org.au

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