The destructive weather patterns Eastern Australia and in particular the Ballarat region have faced over recent days have resulted in the Ballarat Animal Shelter responding to numerous calls for displaced local animals as well as being called outside of the region to assist the evacuation and housing of animals from rising flood waters.
On 5 January around 20 calls were received for displaced animals as thunder and lightning commenced around 3pm. After-hours Animal Shelter officers were attending calls up until 10pm.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the Ballarat Animal Shelter played a huge role not only in the welfare of local domestic animals, but also in the community’s personal welfare.
“For anyone who has ever lost a pet that has run off during a storm it is horrendous. The thought of them running scared on a thundery, wet night is very distressing and this is where the City of Ballarat’s Animal Shelter plays such an important role. I know many staff stayed on into the evening to make sure as many of the collected dogs as possible could be reunited with their worried owners that night,” Cr Moloney said.
Reports of escaped dogs were right across Ballarat and around 12 dogs and cats were also assisted with housing after their owners were evacuated due to local flooding in nearby Hepburn Shire.
“When we get such rapid drops in air pressure and significant thunder and lightning it is terrifying for our pets. At these times our Animal Management Team works 24/7 to not only care for those pets collected off the streets, but also those within the Animal Shelter who are in the dark and scared.
“A goat that is currently at the shelter tried to break through its fencing during the storm and staff were spending a lot of time reassuring it and other animals they were safe and loved. The Ballarat Animal Shelter really is a service we can be very proud of for the staff’s dedication and care to our animals and it really highlights why we are fighting very hard for a new and purpose-built Animal Shelter,” he said.
City of Ballarat Executive Manager Regulatory Services, Brenda Carey said there were some good tips for domestic animal owners both before, during and after thunderstorms and severe weather events.
“Part of our role at the Ballarat Animal Shelter is assisting in retrieval of animals during floods that may be stranded on high ground or stuck and we really implore all farmers, or livestock owners, to check their animals when flash flooding occurs,” Brenda Carey said.
“For household pets, being prepared and providing a safe dark, quiet place with a radio or TV on that reduces visual and sound effects can help significantly in keeping your pet calm and reassured. You can also invest in a ‘thunder coat’ and speak to your vet about medications in severe situations. Importantly make sure your pet is registered and micro-chipped and that all your details are current and correct. That makes our job so much easier in getting them home to those missing them, as soon as possible,” she said.
Due to staff shortages caused by COVID-19, the Ballarat Animal Shelter is temporarily closed to the public so the main focus can be on cleaning and caring for the animals.
