RESOURCES
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development-Animal Welfare in Emergencies
Local Plan for Animal Welfare in Emergencies - Guide and Template
Tools and Helpful links
State Emergency Management Committee
State Support Plan - Animal Welfare in Emergencies
GRANT PROGRAM (2020-2022)
The Animal Welfare in Emergencies Grant Program was funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and administer by WALGA to promote preparedness, response and recovery capacity building for animal welfare in emergencies in Local Governments.
The Grant Program overall aimed to support the
State Support Plan - Animal Welfare in Emergencies, which defines the roles and responsibilities of individuals, communities and agencies to prepare, respond and recover from hazards, and provides a framework for coordination between different organisations and communities.
As part of Grant Program, training was offered to support capacity building in Local Government, by providing funding for officers to attend training at the Muresk Institute to enhance their skills and knowledge in safely dealing with animals during an emergency. Presentation and workshop focuses include livestock health and welfare, State Support Plan, fauna handling, containment and transport, and a workshop on Local Plans. Information on the course can be found in the
Muresk Institute Local Government Training Brochure.
WALGA anticipates that this training will be offered to Local Governments in 2023/24 and those interested in can keep up to date through WALGA's monthly Emergency Management newsletter or can get in touch with the emergency management team via em@walga.asn.au.
Image Source: Christine Terry - City of Rockingham, and City of Kalamunda
The Grant Program also supported Local Governments to undertake project in their area to improve regional capability to support animal welfare in an emergency. It is evident that the impact emergencies have on animals will also impact the wellbeing and welfare of individuals and communities, therefore the Grant Program sought to support Local Governments in undertaking an integrated approach to planning for emergencies and disasters in their area.
The following three case studies are examples of funded projects from Round One 2020/21.
Example 1: Community Preparedness Media, City of Kalamunda
The City of Kalamunda developed two mixed-media videos to initiate the thought process and detailing some ways to keep pets and livestock safe in emergency situations. The project was to develop new resources to help the community better prepare for their animals in emergencies.
The videos are available to view on the City’s website
here.
Example 2: Procurement of Equipment for Animal Welfare in Emergencies, Shire of Cranbrook
The Shire of Cranbrook procured a Stock Trailer to assist with the moving of affected stock in an emergency to safe holding yards in designated areas within the Shire. This was an identified need in the Shire, having been raised at LEMC meetings before and purchased as part of their Animal Welfare Plan.
Example 3: Emergency Animal Welfare Plan, City of Kwinana
The City of Kwinana has developed their Emergency Animal Welfare Plan to support animal welfare during an emergency. Their plan outlines the key roles and responsibilities and actions to take should an emergency occur in the City.
The City’s Local Emergency Management Arrangements can be viewed here. Appendix 8 is the Local Plan for Animal Welfare. This can be found on page 105 of the document.