Overview
The workshops were co-delivered by DPIRD with Hayley Squance from BML Consulting New Zealand and introduced participants to the importance of considering animals and their welfare in emergencies, highlighting the unique and sometimes challenging issues that arise.
Participants worked in groups to explore how different animals could be impacted by various natural hazard events. These findings influenced further discussion as to what preparedness and planning measures are achievable by the community, Local Governments and the State to improve the outcomes for animals and their owners or carers during and after an emergency. By working in groups, with support of the workshop facilitators, participants gained a variety of views and considerations from the experience of others.
Feedback from the workshops was positive, with many reflecting on the importance of the networks they made and the value of collaboration. Many found the chance to network on such a topic very insightful and opened them up to new ideas previously not identified in their arrangements. Most participants felt the information would help them in their workplaces and all involved look forward to seeing more such events into the future.
Where to from here
With the finalisation of the State Support Plan – Animal Welfare in Emergencies, DPIRD will focus on building the capability and capacity, of DPIRD and of its collaborative network of organisations, in support of the plan. This will include ongoing engagement with Local Governments via WALGA and the Committee for Animal Welfare in Emergencies and through other local networks.
A draft Local Animal Welfare in Emergencies Plan - Guide and Template, Fact Sheets as well as helpful links will be made available under the Tools page to assist Local Governments engage with their communities and develop their own plans.
Plans for further training and workshops to be held in 2020 will be considered and DPIRD will work closely with WALGA to consider the needs of Local Governments, Future events will be posted to the Events page.