Animal Welfare Crisis in Fire Zone

A huge animal welfare crisis is occurring in fire affected regions in Tasmania as authorities prohibit landowners accessing their properties to check on animals in their care.

“It is imperative that the animal feed so generously donated by the public gets to its intended recipients immediately” said Chris Simcox, spokesperson for Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT), “Sheep, cattle, horses and many companion animals have been without food since the fires took hold last Friday. Authorities are currently preventing people from providing proper care to their animals, and this is not good enough”.

“Land owners and farmers should be treated as responsible individuals, not as infants. They know the risk of entering a fire zone. As adults it is up to them to decide whether to take those risks in accessing their properties to feed their animals”, said Mr Simcox.

“The incredible and very necessary work by authorities in evacuating people safely during the fires is recognised and appreciated. It is now time to remove the cotton wool and allow people to return and attend to the needs of their animals, fully aware of the dangers. Many will take the risks knowing that this is a life and death situation for those who are in desperate need of food and water.”, said Mr Simcox.
Chris Simcox, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania