The Australian Capital Territory’s Animal Recovery and Disease Control Centre has developed a portable resource for dealing with animals involved in large scale emergencies. Two self supporting ARK trailers are now operational in Canberra, providing a command and control point for the relocation or control of animals where their owners have been affected by a major event.
Upon activation, ARKs can be setup and operational within one hour at any location in Canberra. The portability of the ARKs also allows them to be used anywhere in Australia, once travel time is considered.
Drew McLean from Domestic Animal Services said the ARKs have the capacity to attend any type of emergency, such as a flood, fire or exotic disease outbreak.
“The ARKs enable us to get animals out of harm’s way quickly and efficiently while reassuring owners that their pets will get the best possible short term care,” he said. “They are a unique initiative, with no known comparable recourse available either in Australia or internationally.”
Flexible design allows for containment and management of many animals breeds. Up to 40 dogs, 60 cats, 50 sheep, snakes and other exotic pets species can easily be accommodated for periods of up to 24 hours without additional support.
Drew McLean said the establishment of Memorandum of Understandings with organisations able to assist with temporary housing during an emergency is an on going project.
Funded by Emergency Management Australia and the Attorney Generals Department, the trailers were designed by Domestic Animal Services and the ACT’s Department of Urban Services.
“The 2003 bushfires highlighted the lack of response capability to effectively manage animals in an emergency,” Drew McLean said. “During this period, there was a high level of confusion as people did not know what to do with their stock and pets and there was insufficient resourcing and management of the support of the community’s domestic animals. Additionally, a lack of tracking procedures caused confusion and distress to community members as they endeavoured to be reunited with their pet some days after the fires.
“People place a high value on their pets and reassurance that their pets’ safety and welfare can be professionally managed will provide a level of comfort and satisfaction.”
For further information contact Drew McLean on (02) 6207 2369 or email drew.mclean@act.gov.au
