Mountain View Mail | Tuesday 3/08/2010 | Slice Media

THE Victorian Animal Aid Trust and Yarra Ranges Council have joined forces to cater for livestock in emergency and disasters.

Both organisations entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which outlines a framework of understanding upon activation of the Animal Welfare Emergency Management Plan.

The MOU aims to deliver a co-ordinated response to animal welfare in an emergency.

It outlines the key responsibilities and delegation of tasks and includes the role of Animal Aid in providing resources and equipment for the care of pets and livestock at relief centres.

The Black Saturday Bushfires Royal Commission report, which was released on Saturday, estimates livestock losses - mainly sheep, cattle, horses and goats-at 11.800 head.

Animal Aid's general manager Nell Thompson said her organisation had put forward a submission to the Royal Commission on the issues faced by animal owners during the crisis.

She said the alliance with the council was a huge step forward in formalising processes in both natural and man-made emergencies.