Managing animals after a natural disaster
Find assistance and guidance on how to look after animals after a natural disaster, and what to do with animals that have died.
Help with live animals
Contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline for information on:
- emergency fodder and stock water
- animal assessment and vet help
- stock euthanasia and burial
- livestock feeding and management
- the care of animals in evacuation centres.
Landholders can call the hotline on 1800 814 647 or email aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Find more information about help with animal welfare and management on the Department of Primary Industries website.
The RSPCA can also help with pets and livestock (including horses). Call 1300 278 358 or email mail@rspcansw.org.au
Disposing of animal carcasses
If you intend to dispose of animal carcasses, it's important to note that:
- Onsite burial is the preferred option in most instances. If there are large mortalities or site issues, disposal through a licensed landfill is usually the next option. Site issues might include size, soil type or the water table.
- Improper carcass disposal can have significant impacts on environmental, human and animal health. Careful planning and management of disposal is important. This is to ensure the safety of the community, other stock and the environment to minimise the risk of disease spread.
- Carcass disposal should occur as soon as possible after the animal has died.
- Animal owners and managers are responsible for making sure that carcasses do not affect the environment.
Find out more about disposing of deceased stock or call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299
Primary industries natural disaster damage survey
You can help Local Land Services record damage to primary production and animals by filling out this damage survey. All information is kept confidential and is only used to assist the community in its recovery.
Injured wildlife
Native wildlife can be displaced and injured by flooding.
If you see injured wildlife, call:
If you find an injured animal, and it is safe to do so, contain it in a covered box. Keep the box in a dark, quiet place while you wait for a rescuer, or take the animal in the box to a wildlife carer or vet.
Learn more about helping wildlife in emergencies.