RSPCA Qld’s disaster experience needed down south

RSPCA Qld’s Chief Inspector Daniel Young and Metro Inspector Sam Beavon have driven to Burwood, Victoria to assist RSPCA Victoria with bushfire relief. They also brought with them donated veterinary supplies and valuable experience in managing animals in disasters.

“RSPCA Qld was very eager to assist our counterparts here in Victoria during these challenging and distressing times,” said Chief Inspector Young. “Our badges may say Qld, but this doesn’t mean we can’t help our friends down south. Everyone in Victoria has been very welcoming and extremely grateful that we could assist. The whole country needs to get behind the communities that are most impacted down south.”

“We have been travelling from Burwood to Wangaratta every day to bring supplies to the relief centre. It’s been truly humbling to listen to the people’s stories. Their animals mean the world to them.”

“We met a lady who had with her five chickens and a cat named ‘Dana’. Dana was adopted from RSPCA VIC three years ago and her owner said that having her animals with her at the relief centre allowed her to focus on them, and not the situation around her. It’s obvious that the animals at the shelter are providing tremendous emotional support for their owners."

“Many people we spoke to had simply grabbed their animals and made their way to the relief centre with little to no belongings. Thankfully there are some amazing people volunteering around the clock to ensure that those staying at the centre are looked after. One such volunteer was Tim and his dog ‘Thunder’, Tim and his mates have been travelling through NSW and Victoria cooking for the masses and providing amazing food and camaraderie.”

“I like to think that we have made a small difference and Importantly we need to make sure we are prepared here in Qld as no state or territory is immune to these horrendous fires.”