Bushfire affected landholders with concerns about their animals and livestock can reach out for assistance on the Agricultural Services Hotline.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin MP, said the NSW Government’s Agricultural Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 would assist landholders in northern NSW to manage animal welfare-related issues.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services officers are assisting with:

• Emergency fodder and stock water

• Animal assessment and veterinary assistance 

• Stock euthanasia and burial 

• Livestock feeding and management advice 

• Care of animals in evacuation centres 

With bush fire conditions expected to worsen, Ms Saffin said local landholders should prepare a plan to manage livestock and animals as soon as possible.

“There’s range of measures available and I encourage landholders to prepare now and act early,” Ms Saffin said. 

“As fires continue to burn across the region, it’s difficult to assess the current damage.”

“Unfortunately, infrastructure and stock losses are expected to grow over the coming days.”

Landholders are being encouraged to prepare before an emergency by: 

• Know the risk to you, your animals and property

• Know where to go

• Know who to call

• Know your plan

• Have an emergency kit for you and your animals

During an emergency, landholders should:  

• Act early

• Relocate animals and assets to a safer place on/off property

• If you are required to evacuate, if possible take your animals with you

• Never drive, ride or walk through an active fire zone

• Report wildlife injuries

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area through the RFS website and the ‘Fires Near Me’ app.