As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches northern New South Wales, RSPCA NSW is urging the community to prepare and take immediate steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their animals.
Significant impacts are expected along the NSW northern and mid-coasts, so it is critical to be prepared to protect all animals, great and small, from the cyclone’s impact.
“We know these extreme weather conditions can be stressful but if we take the time now to prepare inclusive and comprehensive plans, it can make all the difference to keep us and our animals safe and protected,” said Anne Keyvar, RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Manager.
RSPCA NSW is urging owners to ensure their animals have an emergency kit ready to go with food, including any special dietary requirements, water, and medication they may need to cover a minimum of 72 hours.
Additional items to pack in your emergency kit include leads, collars, bedding, toys, crates, and carriers to keep animals comfortable and safe. It is vital that your animal has correct identification information on their collars and to check that their microchip details are up to date, in case they become separated from you or your property. For horses or other livestock, attach ID tags with a contact number securely to their mane. These tags should be prepared in advance and kept in your emergency kit.
In flood prone areas, all livestock, horses, and other outside animals should be moved to higher ground or transported to a safe property with friends and family where possible. It’s important to not tether animals outside during the storm as they may harm themselves trying to break free.
If you need to leave animals outside on your property, please provide plenty of access to water and food in heavy, secure bowls and ensure objects are tied down to reduce risk of injury.
RSPCA NSW is in close correspondence with our Emergency Response Team, who have been briefed, and are in the process of preparing to distribute resources to the Coffs Harbour region.
Our Inspectorate is also on standby and prepared to assist communities once an official clearance has been received.
“Our RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Team is ready to help people and animals in affected areas. This group of trained volunteers and staff will support impacted communities through the distribution of pet food and essential resources, as soon as it has been deemed safe to do so,” said Ms Keyvar.
RSPCA NSW is on standby, ready to help people and animals in need
During emergency situations, always check for updates from emergency services and traffic-monitoring apps, such as Hazards Near Me and Live Traffic NSW, to ensure it’s safe to travel with your animal companions.
Keep across evacuation centre information found on the NSW SES website, including which locations can accept companion or large animals.
If you know vulnerable people in your community, please take a moment to check on them and ensure they have the means to prepare and evacuate with their animals if necessary.
Emergency preparedness greatly increases the likelihood of safely weathering the storm with your animals unharmed. For more information on how to keep your animals safe, visit the RSPCA NSW Tropical Cyclone Alfred page on our website.
To ensure the safety of our staff and animals in our care, the RSPCA NSW Coffs Harbour Shelter will be temporarily closed to the public from Thursday, 6 March, and will reopen on Sunday, 9 March.
Audio grabs from Anne Keyvar, RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Manager are available via Dropbox.
