Animals and livestock

Information and advice on dealing with pets, livestock and wildlife after a natural disaster.

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Agricultural animals

If you are a landholder or land manager and you have an animal, plant or agricultural emergency, find out about the help available from the Local Land Services.

Contact the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 for:

  • animal assessment and veterinary assistance
  • stock euthanasia and burial
  • emergency fodder (up to 3 days supply)
  • emergency stock water
  • livestock feeding and management advice
  • care of animals in evacuation centres.

The Hotline is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

If you're unable to call, you can send an email to aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au with:

  • your full name
  • property information, such as address and Property Identification Code, or locations
  • type of assistance required.

Find out more about grants and loans for businesses.

Animal carcasses

Animals that have died should be handled as little as possible. Avoid contact with any body fluids from the dead animal.

If you do need to handle an animal carcass, wear appropriate personal protective equipment including:

  • gloves
  • leather or rubber boots
  • clothes that cover exposed skin
  • eye protection
  • P2 face mask.

If you need assistance with carcass disposal:

RSPCA

For assistance with pets, livestock (including horses) and wildlife:

Wildlife

During a natural disaster, native wildlife is often displaced from their natural environment, lose their shelter, or become stranded and isolated. They may also be on the move looking for food and shelter.

Health and safety

When you are cleaning up, take care and be on the lookout for native animals, particularly snakes and spiders.

Follow the advice for:

What to do when you find injured wildlife

Do not approach or handle wildlife. It can be risky for both humans and animals.

If you find an animal in distress, disoriented, heavily waterlogged or in an unexpected location, seek advice from a trained wildlife rescuer or vet.

For advice about assisting injured wildlife:

Short-term help

Only licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation providers or qualified vets may take injured or orphaned native animals into care.

If you find an injured animal, and it is safe to do so, contain it in a covered box in a dark, quiet place while waiting for a rescuer or when taking an animal to a wildlife carer or vet.

Only provide water or food for native wildlife if you have the permission of the landowner or land manager.

Learn more about:

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