Bundaberg Regional Council and Splitters Farm are providing refuge for animals impacted by the current bushfires.
Yesterday, the gates opened to the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, with residents affected by the current bushfire in the Gregory River and surrounding areas urged to contact Council’s customer service centre before arrival.
Residents were quick to share the post and tag friends and family who might be in need of assistance.
“This is so heartwarming in these most awful times,” Ria Foschi said.
“Good on you Bundaberg Regional Council … grateful to have such a facility,” Sharon le Mesurier said.
The Recreational Precinct isn’t the only facility to provide a safe haven for bushfire-affected animals, with Splitters Farm opening their doors to impacted pets.
Splitters Farm offers a helping hand
Owner Carly Clark said Splitters Farm was a safe haven to rescued animals and although most had come to the family through drought or neglect, bushfires were no different.
“Animals who can’t help themselves need someone to care for them so we stepped up and offered our property to locals who need to move stock out quickly and know they’ll be looked after while they focus on protecting their own safety and assets,” she said.
“We’re currently looking after half a dozen horses from properties impacted by yesterday’s fires at Pine Creek.”
Carly said in bushfire season it was vital for animal owners to consider pets and livestock in emergency planning.
“Horses especially become more distressed the closer a fire gets and they can panic and spook more easily, making them difficult to load onto a truck or float,” she said.
“Smoke inhalation and heat can kill animals too so plan your transportation and safe house location and then move the most volatile animals out first.
“Don’t leave it until too late when you can’t get access to your pets (due to road closures) or they are too stressed to cooperate in a hurry.”
Splitters Farm is urging pet owners to contact them via Facebook if refuge is required.
For those wishing to use the Recreational Precinct for horses, contact Council’s customer service centre on 1300 883 699.
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