Take action to protect your pet
World Animal Protection helped establish the National Planning Principles for Animals in Disasters and is encouraging local councils to adopt these principles in their emergency plans. We need your help to ensure local councils include animals in their emergency plans.
Write to your local council to encourage them to protect pets in your community.
Step 1. Look up contact details for local government in your State or Territory
NSW
http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/my-local-council/find-my-council
NT
QLD
http://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/resources-ilgp/maps.html
SA
http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=6561
TAS
http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/local_government/local_government_directory
VIC
http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/local-government/find-your-local-council
WA
https://dlgc.communities.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
Or if you’re in the ACT, write to the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services
The Hon Shane Rattenbury MLA
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services
(02) 6205 0005
rattenbury@act.gov.au
GPO Box 1020
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Step 2. Draft your email or letter
Here is our suggested letter. Please feel free to edit and add your own words.
Dear Sir/Madam
As a member of the local community and a supporter of World Animal Protection, I believe that local councils have a key role to play in protecting pets in disasters.
I would like to clarify whether Council’s emergency management plan for our community includes consideration for animals.
In particular
- Does the plan clearly outline which evacuation shelters accept pets?
- Does the plan include details of how the community will be notified of arrangements in place for animals before disasters strike, including contact details for local animal welfare agencies, veterinarians and pet information and advisory services?
- Is the plan consistent with the National Planning Principles for Animals in Disasters (include link) that have been endorsed by the Australian Local Government Association?
Experience has shown that the lives of people are linked with those of our pets. Lack of planning can result in panicked, last minute decisions that put lives in danger. Improved planning for animals in disasters will help to ensure we can be prepared, act early and stay safe.
I look forward to sharing your response with family and friends in our local area.
Yours sincerely,
Step 3. Let us know when you receive a response.
Be sure to send any responses you receive through to protect@worldanimalprotection.org.au. The information you provide could help our future work with local governments and emergency services.