Bushfire impacted pets and livestock check in with RSPCA mobile tour

Domestic pets and farm animals, including livestock, are set to receive even stronger emergency
support in future disasters thanks to the RSPCA NSW’s new state-of-the-art Animal Welfare
Response Unit.

Launched today by Deputy Premier John Barilaro, the Animal Welfare Response Unit,
procured with funds from the RSPCA NSW Bushfire Appeal, will be driven by RSPCA NSW
CEO Steve Coleman on a tour to re-visit bushfire affected towns, starting in Batemans Bay.

“It was not long ago that we saw the worst bushfires in Australia’s history rip through our State,
destroying thousands of homes and leaving communities on their knees,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The NSW Government is committed to working closely with communities to help get them
back on their feet, whether it be through clearing properties at no cost to property owners,
providing monetary grants or mental health services.

“However, it is also important that the furrier members of the family or other farm animals get
the emergency support they need in disaster situations.

“The RSPCA have already done some amazing work on the ground, visiting over 80 towns
during the fires and distributing over 4 tonnes of animal food to help feed countless hungry,
displaced pet animals and livestock.

“I am thrilled to be launching the start of RSPCA’s animal welfare tour today.”

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the Animal Welfare Unit was procured from the
bushfire funds raised and is a state-of-the-art mobile command centre designed to treat pets
and farm animals on the ground in times of crisis.

“RSPCA NSW was founded 147 years ago to help animals in need of assistance, and thanks
to the support of the community, we are in a strong position to manage future disasters,” Mr
Coleman said.

The Animal Welfare Response Unit Tour is in addition to the $1.3 million already spent by
RSPCA NSW immediately on the ground, rescuing and treating injured animals, as well as
supporting animal owners in crisis by providing food, pet supplies, emergency vet treatment
and advice, evacuation support, temporary fencing and shelter, medicine and flea and tick
treatment.

For more information on the Animal Welfare Response Unit Tour and how funds from the
RSPCA NSW Bushfire Appeal have been utilised, please visit www.rspcansw.org.au