MPI is encouraging anyone with animal welfare concerns to call 0800 008 333 (option 4)

It is pleasing to see that the number of animal welfare concerns and calls to the 0800 number are slowing down. We haven’t received any new animal welfare concerns reported to our people at the cordons today.

People are able to collect animals from the showgrounds if you have been cleared to return home. If you would prefer to leave them there at this stage, in case there is the need to evacuate again, this is also fine.

Animal welfare officers were posted at the cordons again today, at each of the four valleys that were evacuated. We will be there every day when the cordons are open, to talk to people visiting their properties and animals.

In the valley areas where there is still restricted access, MPI has animal welfare staff at each cordon during the access periods and we encourage people to approach the MPI staff at those cordons if they have any concerns. They are there to make sure MPI is aware of any issues.

We’re still following up on animal welfare jobs logged across the valleys previously, and making good progress on call backs to owners. If you have phoned and have not had your issue resolved or been contacted, please call again and we will make sure this is followed up.

Again, a big thank you to the amazing teams and volunteers from MPI, Federated Farmers, SPCA, Massey University, HUHANZ, and Animal Evac. The Nelson Tasman Rural Support Trust is also offering support and counselling to affected people and will be making contact with farms in the area to assess what support is needed.

On top of this, Federated Farmers has set up its feed line, distributing feed that has been donated. Anyone affected by fires and needing feed for animals can register for this help: Phone 0800 327 646 (option 2). Availability is dependent on donations and priority will be given to farms who rely on farm income for their living and have been affected by fire.

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