How we’re responding to the bushfire crisis, now and in the future

As the bushfire crisis unfolds across the state, RSPCA NSW is continuing to work tirelessly to provide relief and recovery assistance to animals and owners in fire-affected communities. Our presence in the field has included assistance at emergency evacuation points, veterinary care and support to impacted wildlife, companion animals and livestock, inspector welfare checks on livestock, as well as the distribution of pet food, medication and supplies, to paint a small picture.

The community response to our recent work in the field has been overwhelming. Our entire organisation is blown away by the incredible support both in Australia and overseas, whether that be through hands-on help in local communities or through generous monetary donations from around the world.

As we continue our direct work in the field, alongside other aid and wildlife organisations, we are committed to to ensuring the money raised for RSPCA NSW has the most meaningful impact possible for all creatures great and small.

As part of our ongoing plan to address this crisis and the ongoing recovery, we will be allocating funds donated to our bushfire appeal according to a four-point plan.

1) Immediate response in communities: $1.3 million

• Assisting at evacuation centres by providing RSPCA veterinary care to animals, supporting local veterinarians and veterinary nurses, providing supplies we have specifically sourced such as food, medication and bedding.
• Working with wildlife rehabilitation groups such as WIRES and other local organisations to increase the amount of wildlife that is reached.
• Accepting and rehabilitating surrendered animals from affected areas.
• Dispatching inspectors and veterinarians to remote regions to assist with welfare checks on vulnerable animals and wildlife.

2) Emergency assistance fund: $1 million

• Helping impacted owners and their animals rebuild their lives by offering financial assistance and goods.
• Support includes, but is not limited to, veterinary care, emergency boarding and supplies.

3) Mobile emergency response unit and infrastructure: $1.2 million

• Increasing our emergency infrastructure so we can respond more rapidly and effectively in disasters.
• Investing in a mobile emergency response unit to be used as a central assistance and relief point for communities in crisis.
• Equipping our teams on the ground with satellite phones, breathing apparatuses, specialised vehicles and other equipment to ensure their safety and improved communication abilities.

4) Wildlife welfare program: $500,000

• Investing in long-term critical care and rehabilitation for our state’s wildlife.
• Looking to partner with local wildlife groups to help in their efforts to rebuild.
• Researching methods of re-establishing colonies.

The estimated billion animals who have perished as a result of these recent fires is a tragedy. As the following months and years of recovery and rebuilding begin, RSPCA NSW will use this plan as a guide to continue offering assistance to the people and animals who need our help the most.

Helping animals great and small is the foundation on which our organisation has been built and when tragedies such as these strike, we want to keep our promise to be an effective form of relief and comfort to these vulnerable lives.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.