WSPA’s DART team were able to work with the RSPCA Queensland and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) yesterday to assess the animal welfare needs in the rural area of the Lockyer Valley.
Much of the Valley is still inaccessible by land, but working with the local police and council representatives we were able to visit some of the area. The destruction has been devastating; we saw cars, trucks, even entire houses swept away by the power of the flood. Emergency services continue to search the area for those still missing.
Pets, livestock and wildlife have been affected, but the full extent of the situation is still uncertain. The RSPCA Queensland and the local council are continuing to check homes and land for animals, treat those that need help and reunite those that have been lost with their owners, where possible.
Small livestock like chickens and geese are left free to move around and have access to food until their owners return. Dogs, cats, birds and other small pets are being rescued and taken temporarily to the Gatton vet school. Larger animals, such as horses and cattle are being treated for injuries and moved to the vet school if in need of major care.
WSPA’s Disaster Management team usually works in developing countries where the lack of infrastructure and resources make response and action exceptionally difficult. Our experts responded to this unprecedented disaster here in Queensland to offer our advice and support to our member society the RSPCA Queensland.
Together with the AVA Veterinary Emergency Taskforce and the wider animal welfare network here in Queensland, they are working to ensure animals do not become the forgotten victims of the flooding and that animal welfare is a key part of the overall disaster response.
There is a lot still to be done and WSPA will continue to be on standby, should further support be needed, but now these local organisations will continue the hard work. We are confident they are doing everything they can to help the animals affected.
