Victorian Bushfires
Date: Saturday 21st, 2009
Author: Carol Hibbert
We are all experiencing great shock and sadness at the extreme loss of lives and property in Victoria from our worst ever experience with bushfires. We offer our deepest heartfelt sympathies to those impacted.
Although our summer is far from over and bushfires are contained but not all extinguished, I believe no New Forest Pony Owners & Breeders have been directly impacted. If this is not accurate please email me with the advice immediately. Those who have or had fires in their vicinity will be remaining on high alert.
VHC Crisis meeting - (Victorian Horse Council)
There is a strong commitment among the horse community to help in some way. Several aid organizations are offering help for horses. The Victorian Horse Council met with these groups on 18 /2 with the object to improve coordination of the relief. (Janet McBain attended this meeting for the APSB and her report is attached).
“With so many groups trying to assist, the most pressing need is a central point for those affected to contact. At this meeting “the Former EFA Victoria: now called Equestrian Victoria, offered to immediately develop a data base with an inventory of who has what and where it is stored. This data base will be updated as goods are distributed and received”. Feed supplies will be a long term issue as “it is recognised that there will be no pasture until next spring, and perhaps not even then as the total seed bank has been incinerated”.
“Contact Equestrian Victoria and you will be told of the closest place to get what you need”.
(see attached report)
AHC Bushfire relief information - (Australian Horse Council)
Also attached is a log of advice from the Australian Horse Council website www.horsecouncil.org.au on different aid for animals being offered and contacts for them. Please send this on to anyone it may be helpful to. Also included is information from APSB and DPI
Donations
Most of the agencies listed below are set up to take donations by phone and/or website
This is something we can all take help with.
Agencies offering Bushfire relief for horses and/or contacts:
Australian Horse Council
www.horsecouncil.org.au
VHC (Victorian Horse Council)
www.vhc.org.au
0428 545 642
Equestrian Victoria (EFA)
www.vic.equestrian.au
(03) 9013 0707
Project Hope
www.phhwv.org.au
1300 881 606
Triple R Equine (TREW)
www.triplerequinewelfare.org
0417 368 048
RSPCA
www.rspcavic.org
(03) 9224 2222
HRCAV
www.hrcav.com.au
(03) 9877 0330
APSB
www.apsbvic.org.au
(03) 5221 3099
All information and advice will change with updates
Please read these reports for more information.
Report on VHC Crisis meeting
AHC bushfire relief information for animals