The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has resources on its website to help prepare plans, as well as advice to help protect animals in the event of a fire.
The ‘Preparing for animal welfare before emergencies’ webpage has information to aid emergency planning, assemble emergency kits, property preparedness, animal identification, evacuation and relocation.
Animal owners can familiarise themselves with the actions to take during different Bushfire Alert levels by visiting the ‘Animal Welfare during bushfires’ webpage.
DPIRD State Animal Welfare in Emergencies Coordinator Brett Hopley said it was the responsibility of owners and carers to keep animals safe during an emergency.
“The best measure to keep animals safe in an emergency is to have a plan and arrangements already in place, so pet and livestock owners can move calmly and quickly,” he said.
“It is important to have feed and water, halters, leads and rugs on hand, as well as a first aid kit, medications and any relevant documentation.”
In the event of a fire emergency, it is important to implement emergency plans as soon as possible to minimise the risk to animals and their owners.
“Animals may become stressed and behave differently during a fire or other types of emergencies, so it is important to evacuate early to a safe place,” Mr Hopley said.
“We suggest having conversations now with neighbours and friends who are able to assist or host animals, particularly large animals like horses, if a fire emergency was to happen so your arrangements are already in place.”
It is important to have transport equipment, including crates, leads and horse floats, easily accessible during summer.
Up to date identification, such as microchips, collars, leg bands and current photographs to prove ownership, is also essential in case owners get separated from their animals during an emergency.
“Pets and livestock can easily become confused, hide or get lost in an emergency,” Mr Hopley said.
“Leaving items with familiar scent, like bedding, in a prominent place that can be grabbed quickly when evacuating can also be useful to reduce animals’ stress.”
Stay up to date during an emergency by regularly reviewing the Emergency WA webpage, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Facebook page, and listening to ABC Local Radio.
Bushfire plans can be prepared by downloading the free My Bushfire Plan app, which can be accessed anytime without an internet connection, or visit the DFES website.
In the event of a significant emergency, DPIRD may be required to activate the State Support Plan - Animal Welfare in Emergencies to help coordinate an emergency response for all animals.
