Animal owners urged to access support as fire and drought conditions continue

MPI is still encouraging anyone with animal welfare concerns, whether related to fire or the drought conditions, to call 0800 008 333 (option 4).

While the number of animal welfare concerns and calls to the 0800 number has slowed down significantly, this is a very stressful time and so we urge people to access the support available. We are still tending to calls as they come in.

We are in a changing situation with ongoing dry conditions and it’s a very stressful time, especially for those not yet able to return to their homes and animals, and their businesses.

We have now made follow up calls to everybody who had contacted us to lodge an animal welfare concern. In some cases when we have tried to call people back we have not been able to reach them, so please call us back.

There is helpful information and you can register for daily updates at mpi.govt.nz/tasman-fires

For the latest information on the Tasman situation see the The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website

This afternoon MPI issued a media statement with advice for rural communities as the fire and drought conditions continue

Ongoing animal welfare efforts behind the cordons and at the Richmond Showgrounds

Where needed and where we can, our officers and vets are still back to properties to assess concerns for those residents and arrange resources, ie water, extra feed and assisting with the movement of stock to alternative grazing.

Animal welfare officers will be posted at the cordons again tomorrow. We do encourage people to talk to us after visiting their properties and let us know if there are any concerns about their animals so we can follow up.

HUHA continues to do a fantastic job at the Showgrounds. Many animals have returned home yesterday, and the number of animals is down from 931 at the peak, to around 560 now.

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

Support is available from Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers Feedline

The Rural Support Trust is also available provide free and confidential support, advice and referrals, including with health, finances and more. Phone Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Federated Farmers has opened its Feedline to support farmers who have been affected by the fires and need extra feed or grazing for their animals. Farmers who are short of feed, or who have feed to donate, can contact Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646.

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