Animals play an important role in many peoples lives. This handbook is guided by research evidence that shows that the integration of animals into emergency management planning and arrangements is critical to human health and safety, as well as to the economy, biodiversity and ecosystem health.
People will often put their own lives at risk to protect or save animals during an emergency, including ignoring warnings or refusing to evacuate. The traumatic loss of animals can significantly impact human recovery following an emergency, in addition to the economic and environmental impacts. It is therefore important for those in planning roles to understand:
- the differences in perspectives, motivations and limitations of those with a responsibility for animals
- the consequences for both people and animals in emergencies.
The purpose of the Planning for Animals Handbook is to:
- be an authoritative and trusted source of knowledge for planning for animals in emergencies or disasters in Australia
- provide nationally agreed principles
- identify and promote the adoption of good practice
- build interoperability between jurisdictions, agencies, businesses, and community leaders by outlining common language and coordinated, nationally agreed principles
- align national disaster risk reduction and resilience strategy and policy by informing and assisting jurisdictions, agencies and other organisations and individuals in the implementation and adoption of these arrangements.