By Tanya Steele
Animal Aid now has an Emergency Response Unit ready for deployment across the Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Murrindindi Local Government Areas.
The unit takes the form of a fully equipped trailer stocked by the organisation to assist in times of crisis.
CEO of Animal Aid Mark Menze is glad to see the trailer available for use and said it will be very useful across many situations.
‘We were heavily involved in the 2009 bushfires and one of the things we identified even back then was how much help people actually needed with their animals in times of crisis,” said Mr Menze.
The idea to have a stocked trailer ready to go was developed, pitched to local councils and has now come to fruition.
“We wanted to get together a kit of gear that we can use at places where people are gathered, often they have brought their animals with them,” Mr Menze said.
“We can help look after them while they are displaced,” he said.
Animal Aid partnered with Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Murrindindi Councils to fund and deliver the emergency response trailer for public use.
“It was something we unanimously agreed on,” said Mr Menze.
The trailer is equipped with items such as crates, leads, collars, bowls, food, litter, beds, toys and more to assist the community in containing and caring for displaced animals.
Mr Mezne thanked the councils for contributing to the vital community asset and is glad it is stocked and ready to go if needed.
“In a crisis, everyone pulls together and it’s there and it can be utilised,” said Mr Menze.
