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www.politicalanimal.org.uk/cawf
www.rspca.org.uk/cawf
Support for establishments in drawing up their
contingency plans
Local authorities will, almost certainly, have a variety
of animal establishments in their area - animal
sanctuaries, boarding kennels, pet shops, rescue
centres, vets and even zoos. It is important to work
with these establishments, ensuring they have
clear policies and procedures for animal welfare in
emergency situations. This may, actually, be a
requirement of their licensing conditions. Some
of these establishments may be able to assist LRFs
with looking after evacuated animals, so it is useful
to be aware of these establishments, to work with
them, and to be satisfied with their ability to meet
the welfare needs of animals in advance of an
emergency evacuation.
Beyond the basics
It is important from a contingency planning perspective to
be aware of social housing providers' pets policies so that
appropriate preparations can be made should an emergency
situation arise. For example, does the housing provider record
what pets are kept in their accommodation, or does it have a
'no pets' policy? How is this enforced? Assisting social housing
providers to write contingency plans that consider pets in their
provision of temporary accommodation could prevent
additional pressures should a real scenario occur. It may be
useful to invite social housing providers to participate in
exercises so that they are also ready to deal with any situation.
Practice exercises
The aim of contingency planning is preparedness. While the
hope is, of course, that such a plan never needs to be put
into action, realistically that cannot be guaranteed. Having
practical exercises as part of that preparation (whether
tabletop or live) will help to prepare responders and stajuliadetheridge@monmouthshire.gov.ukp>
A CONTINGENCY PLANNING POLICY
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www.pfma.org.uk/pet-population-2014/
Julia Detheridge, Emergency Planning Officer
Tel: 01633 644091
Email: juliadetheridge@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Monmouthshire County Council
Assisting animal establishments
Monmouthshire County Council have entered the
Community Animal Welfare Footprints for a number of
years, achieving bronze awards by focusing on pets in
contingency planning. This local authority, as well as
recognising pets as an important part of the planning
process, has developed clear, useful information for
businesses in the area, to support them in their
emergency planning.
The Monmouthshire team's leaflet and template
plan, aimed at pet establishments, is an example of
the best practice developed by CAWF award achievers
- from bronze to gold. The resource enables pet
establishments to work through 12 steps, the final
stage being a reminder that the plan needs to be
regularly updated - essential to any contingency plan.
Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary