News

With storm season still upon us, residents of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley are being urged by NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) to not only plan for themselves, but their animals as well.

NSW SES Chief Superintendent Greg Swindells pointed animal owners towards the numerous resources available via www.getreadyanimals.nsw.gov.au to make a plan now.

“In the face of a potential flood, one of the first things we encourage owners to do is get their animals to higher ground and away from flood prone areas,” Mr Swindells said.

“This is especially the case for those in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley. The region is very wet, and with the potential for further rainfall, there is a higher likelihood of flooding.

“Given this higher chance of flooding, we need all animal owners within the region to have a plan in place,” he said.

Mr Swindells said NSW SES has specially trained volunteers in large animal rescue.

“Recently in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, we have been called to assist with cows stuck in mud, sheep trapped by rivers, and even horses that have fallen into septic tanks,” Mr Swindells said.

“While we will always respond when and where we can, it is important that the owners of large animals do their best to keep them safe.

“This is especially the case with septic tanks. Horses are very heavy animals and it doesn’t take a lot for them to fall in, but it takes a lot to get them out safely.

“If you have a horse and they can walk across a septic tank, please put measures in place to protect them. This can go a long way to avoiding a very stressful situation for the animal and yourself,” he said.

In the event you need assistance for your animals, please call Triple Zero (000) and the nearest emergency services agency will respond.

For more information on how to best plan for your animals, visit www.getreadyanimals.nsw.gov.au and for more information about preparing for floods in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, visit ses.nsw.gov.au.