11
www.politicalanimal.org.uk/cawf
www.rspca.org.uk/cawf
Temporary boarding
One of the biggest issues when planning for emergencies
is identifying a safe and suitable environment in which to
leave an animal following a rescue. During the floods in
the early part of 2014, first responders highlighted the lack
for temporary accommodation for animals in rest centres
as a major shortcoming. Some local authorities and LRFs
have collaborated and purchased vari-kennels, which are
shared by the group.
The RSPCA has limited resources and is normally unable
to provide accommodation for animals during an
emergency, instead assisting as first responders in any
rescue. Therefore, local arrangements should be made
with organisations and businesses that may be able to
help provide accommodation. Some local authorities and
housing providers have a list of people willing to take care
of animals during an incident, other councils have
arrangements with local boarding kennels and catteries to
provide shelter for animals during emergencies. However
it must be considered that, depending on the type of
emergency, those establishments may themselves be
affected and unable to help.
Proactive education
Animal owners themselves can do much to assist LRFs in
preparing for emergency situations. Educating the public
in what to do and how to prepare has been achieved in
various ways by different local authorities. Some have
used information leaflets; others have held events.
Any event run by a local authority, for example a dog
awareness day or microchipping and neutering event,
can be used to encourage people to consider their pets
in emergency planning. It may be worthwhile speaking
to other departments and organisations in order to share
good practice.
It is important that information provided is tailored to your
target audience. It is also helpful if the information is kept
clear and concise, so that pet and livestock owners are
following straightforward advice rather than having to
absorb a lot of detail.
© Cavendish Press
Jo Maddams, Northamptonshire County Council
Tel: 01604 361351
Email: jmaddams@northamptonshire gov.uk
Northamptonshire County Council
Be prepared
Northamptonshire County Council have participated
in the Contingency Planning footprint scheme since
the awards were created and have consistently
demonstrated good practice, achieving a gold award
in 2008 and maintaining it in successive years. In 2014,
the local authority entered the RSPCA Innovator
awards, submitting a video they had made
encouraging residents to be prepared in emergencies
using a fun, engaging format. The video recommends
residents have a bag at the ready and advises on what
to include for their pet.
Link to video: http://youtu.be/72ufdclzagq