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:
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“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.
