Alerts
2/11/2009 - MESSAGE RE VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES
BRIEF:
The bushfires in Victoria have created a natural disaster of epic proportions. The loss of human life is difficult for us to appreciate.
AHIC, on behalf of the national horse industry, extends our sincere condolences to all those who have lost family and friends in this terrible tragedy. That so many people could lose their lives in only a few hours is incomprehensible. Many more people have been injured physically, and the mental traumas will go on for a while.
At this time access to the affected areas remains difficult. Much of the area has been declared a crime scene as authorities comb the rubble for victims. This is a very necessary step in coming to terms with the loss of human life.
There have also been significant impacts on animals unfortunate enough to have been caught by the fires. There is little information currently available on the effects of the fires on the many horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats and wildlife in the area.
I have spoken with the Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer and with veterinary practitioners who service the areas to the north of Melbourne. There are sufficient human resources available. Many people are donating fodder and agistment. Halters, lead ropes, rugs and other basic needs have also been provided. All of this is being co-ordinated by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. You can access their web site for information at
Currently there are about 300 horses under treatment for various injuries, mainly superficial burns. In bush fires it's the lower limbs and facial areas that suffer the most. Life threatening injuries are those that involve the feet because these can lead to destruction of the affected horse.
Internal injuries are caused by the temperature of the air near the fire front (often many hundreds of degrees Celsius), and the smoke and other debris that accompany the fire. These combine to cause injuries to the lining of the lungs which can result in another major cause for illness and death after fires. There have been many donations of veterinary supplies and bandaging materials which have assisted the veterinarians and carers considerably in these initial stages.
We need to remember that there will be no paddock feed in the affected areas for months. There will be an ongoing need for agistment and routine feeding and watering of livestock for many weeks to come. Local property owners are generously allowing extra animals in their properties at the moment. It is likely that others will also have to help for the future.
AHIC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime AHIC is working with authorities to ensure that the needs of affected horses and their owners can be met.
DETAILS:
RSPCA is providing temporary accommodation to animals at their shelters across Victoria. If your pet needs emergency accommodation - please phone 03 9224 2222. They are delivering emergency pet food to relief centres across Victoria including food donated by Hill's Pet Nutrition. If you wish to donate items such as pet food, bedding, leads and bowls you can deliver these to your local RSPCA.
The RSPCA will be working to reunite lost pets with their families.
To support our emergency relief effort in other ways, please complete RSPCA _assistance form http://www.rspcavic.org/campaigns_news/bushfires_help_offer.htm detailing the the support you can offer.
Animal Aid in Coldstream is caring for domestic pets affected by fires Animal Aid has available boarding facilities that it has made available and has cancelled all private vet consultations to deal with injured pets in their vet clinic. Currently looking after dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, rats and some small livestock.
Animal aid also distributing donations of pet food and has a list of people willing to agist larger animals Anyone wanting to assist can donate funds to assist with the boarding of animals and for vet care. Contact:- Lesley Humphreys, Trustee, Animal Aid, 0418982070
Wildlife Victoria (www.wildlifevictoria.org.au <http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au>) is responding and coordinating treatment and rescue of wildlife affected by the bushfires.
* DOGS Victoria is a source of assistance re dog accommodation and minding - visit http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au/
* The Help for Wildlife response team are based in the vicinity where the Kinglake/Healesville fires occurred are on standby waiting to enter the fireground when safe to rescue injured wildlife.
HELP FOR WILDLIFE - PO Box 181 COLDSTREAM 3770 Ph 0417 380 687 http://www.helpforwildlife.com/
* The Cat Protection Society would like to offer the following assistance and use of equipment (subject to availability) for people around the Greensborough area that are affected by the bushfire:
• Veterinary treatment of cats
• Use of 22 hospital size cages
• IV drips and giving sets
• Bandages
• Antibiotics
• Transport vehicles and facilities
• Boxes
• Contact details for a local cattery that is also able to provide accommodation for cats. CPS does not have appropriate facilities for dogs, only cats.
The clinic has limited opening hours, so it is essential to phone prior to visiting, on 9434 7155 or 9434 7255.
* Pet Industry Association members also have more than 850 dog boarding places and 550 cat boarding places donated by members -
all details on Pet Industry Association website www.piaa.net.au <http://www.piaa.net.au/>
* The Lort Smith Animal Hospital at 24 Villiers Street in North Melbourne is offering free medical treatment for pets affected by the bush fires. Please contact the Lort Smith Animal Hospital, 24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne on 9328 3021.
For people who would find it easier to get to our clinic in Mill Park please contact the Lort Smith Plenty Valley Veterinary Clinic on 9407 2030,
* The Greyhound Adoption Program kennels in Seymour are also taking in any greyhounds who have been affected by the fires. They can be contacted on 5799 0166 for assistance