All animals under your care, livestock included, is your responsibility and must be confined to your property at all times - they are not allowed to roam, even in an emergency or disaster.
Do you have a 'what-if' plan for how to care for or evacuate your animals?
Don't wait until it's too late
Leaving early
- Evacuate animals to a safer location well in advance and away from the emergency zone - for example, a boarding facility, foster carer, friends, family, neighbours.
- Develop, document, communicate and practice at least two different evacuation routes and exits from your property with your animals. Include the location of water and food sources on your plan.
- If you choose to leave animals secured but unattended, leave a note for the emergency service personnel who may need to enter your property.
- Use a secure carrier/cage, leash, harness, float, or container with secure lid and air-holes to safely transport animals.
- Ensure all vaccinations, stock registers, microchips and registrations remain current.
- Have a current photo of each animal to assist with identification.
Stay and protect
- Secure animals inside away from windows or under secure shelter within your property's boundaries so they do not escape.
- Make provision for animals to seek refuge on higher ground.
Animals and evacuation centres
- Register yourself and all other people, assistance and companion animals (if permitted) in your care upon arriving at a centre.
- In most cases, trained assistance dogs will be allowed to stay in evacuation centres with their owners. Ensure you bring along your dog's emergency kit, including:
- Identification tags
- Proof of vaccination/registration
- Medical records
- Veterinarian's details
- Secure carrier/cage for transport
- Leash/harness
- Food and water
- Bedding and grooming equipment
- Medication
- Waste disposal bags.
After an emergency or disaster
- Take care when releasing animals - they may be disorientated, stressed and/or aggressive.
- Seek veterinary assistance immediately if your animals are injured.
- Report roaming livestock to the Ipswich City Council if you do not know the owner on
(07) 3810 6666. - Find out more information and contact details and services to support lost, injured or deceased animals.