Flood-affected stock owners encouraged to call for support
03 Mar 2022
Flood affected North Coast landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647 to request emergency fodder for livestock, animal assessment and veterinary advice.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services are responding together to the current North Coast flood disaster as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).
The local control centre at Grafton is deploying field crews to evacuation centres around the region, where access allows and it is safe to do so.
“Staff are assisting animal owners with assessment of pets and companion animals and are providing veterinary advice and support. AASFA can also provide assistance with emergency fodder for livestock producers and euthanasia and burial if required,” said Incident Controller for the AASFA response on the North Coast, Piers Harper.
“There will be urgent need to inspect and assist stock and other animals when flood waters recede.
“Evacuation centres where we have staff who can assist people to care for their pets and domestic animals, are located at Southern Cross University at Lismore, Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, Kingscliff TAFE, Murwillumbah TAFE, Camp Drew at Lennox Head and the Lennox Head Cultural Centre and Holy Family Catholic College and Xavier Catholic College – both at Skennars Head.
“We are assisting dairy producers by sourcing generators to restore power to milking sheds and will have the first of our emergency fodder pick-up locations operational from this afternoon,” Mr Harper said.
It is essential that you register your request for emergency fodder for your livestock or assistance with animal assessment, by contacting the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647.
If your stock or pets are missing or if you have stranded animals at your place, please consider contacting your local council, local veterinary clinics who have microchip detection equipment, animal welfare or rescue groups, and check social media sources such as local community noticeboards.
People should not risk their own safety at any time. Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters, and call Triple Zero (000) in the event of any emergency.