Lost, injured, or deceased animals

Emergency events can damage fences, gates, and other enclosures, which allows animals to stray onto other properties or roads. This causes issues for their safety and can potentially spread diseases, leading to biosecurity threats.

Reuniting animals and owners is a priority in the recovery process after an emergency. It is also important to follow guidelines for helping injured animals and disposing of carcasses.

Check for lost animals

For safety reasons, access to your home or property can be delayed immediately after an emergency event. Residents may be able to enter an affected area before the general public to protect their properties or livestock – proof of identity or property ownership will be required in these cases.

Once you gain access to your property, search the area for lost animals if it is safe to do so. If any of your animals are missing, check whether they have been reported to:

• the local council
• local animal shelters and veterinarians
• RSPCA SA
• Animal Welfare League.

You can also search on lost and found websites (e.g. ‘Lost Pets of South Australia’ or ‘Lost Dogs of Adelaide’).

Identifying animals

If you find stray livestock, check if they have a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tag – PIRSA may be able to identify the animals and contact the owners.

If a lost animal is microchipped, their owner can be contacted by local councils, vets, or the SA Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM).

Assistance dogs may have a medallion on their collar with an identification number and emergency contact details, connecting to the organisation that supports the dog and owner.

Assistance for injured animals

Animal owners and managers should seek treatment and ongoing care for injured animals after an emergency. Contact your private veterinarian as soon as possible.

We will provide the following services to help farmers and producers care for animals after an emergency:

• inspecting and assessing burnt or injured livestock
• advising on how to access veterinary services
• assisting with euthanasia of severely burnt or injured livestock on welfare grounds
• coordinating emergency fodder, water and fencing through Primary Producers SA.

PIRSA will also deliver early assessment if needed for the welfare of a significant number of animals in the impacted emergency area.

Dispose of deceased animals

If you are dealing with deceased animals after an emergency, prompt disposal of the carcasses can minimise chances of disease. This is vital for a large number of deceased livestock – PIRSA can advise on disposal options.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) provides information on the methods and sites for the safe and legal disposal of animal carcasses.

Animal owners who cannot dispose of carcasses themselves should seek help through neighbours, friends, community contacts, hire contractors, or the local council.

For assistance with deceased pets and smaller animals, you can contact hired contractors, local veterinary clinics, or the Animal Welfare League.

Wildlife

If you come across deceased wildlife or pest animals in the natural environment, leave the bodies so they can decompose.

If you find them on your property, follow prompt and appropriate disposal processes. Contact the EPA or your local council for assistance.