Issue 6, November 2020

A Message from the NSW Chief Animal Welfare Officer

Heat stress 

Heat stress, or heat stroke, can develop quickly in pets and livestock, and can be life threatening. Heat stress often occurs in dogs particularly older, overweight, and brachycephalic (shorter nosed) dogs, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers. Our pets don't have the same ability to sweat like humans and rely primarily on panting to regulate their body temperature.  

Never leave your animal locked inside a car. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly beyond what your pet can cope with, even if it is parked in the shade with the windows down.   

Signs of heat stress include excessive panting, bright red gums, vomiting, uncoordinated walking, seizures, collapse, and unconsciousness which may result in death. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress, you must immediately seek veterinary attention for your pet.

For tips on preventing heat stress in your pets visit the RSPCA NSW website. 

Heat stress can also impact livestock. Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for more information and species specific tips.

Snake bites 

Snakes become more active in the hotter months, posing an increased risk to curious cats and dogs. If your pet is bitten by a snake, early veterinary attention is vital to give your pet the best chance of recovery. If it is safe to do so, take a photo of the snake, but do not approach it. This may help your veterinarian identify the type of snake and determine appropriate treatment for your pet. Remember, try to stay calm and quickly contact your local veterinarian. 

For more information on snake bites visit the RSPCA NSW and 'What snake is that?' websites.

Bushfire and flood preparedness 

The 2019-20 bushfire season reminded us of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. This includes having a plan for ourselves as well as for our pets and livestock.  

To help prepare, NSW DPI and key stakeholders have developed a new 'Get ready animals' website to help guide people to prepare for their animals in emergencies.  

Being aware of, and prepared for, the risks that warmer weather brings, gives us the best opportunity to look after ourselves and the animals who depend on us for their care. 

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 – Amendment Bill

On 8 November 2020 the Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, the Hon Adam Marshall MP announced proposed amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. The proposal will increase penalties and enhance court orders to better protect animals from offenders. 

The proposed penalty increases include:  

• Cruelty – increased from $5,500 fine (current) to $44,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for individuals and $220,000 for corporations for each individual act of cruelty, 
• Aggravated Cruelty – increased from $22,000 fine (current) to $110,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment for individuals and $550,000 for corporations for each individual act, 
• Fail to Provide Food, Drink or Shelter – Increased from $5,500 fine (current) to $16,500 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals and $82,500 for corporations for each individual act. 

The new legislation is expected to be introduced into Parliament in early 2021.

Bushfire recovery 

The NSW DPI Animal Welfare and Emergency Operations (EmOps) Units are liaising to identify and act on common issues arising from the most recent bushfires, including those identified in the NSW DPI After Action Review and NSW Bushfire Inquiry.  

NSW DPI Animal Welfare are undertaking several projects/activities to support and complement the activities of EmOps. 

These include:    

• collaborating with Local Land Services (LLS), NSW Rural Fire Service and the Rural Recovery Support Service on a project focused on ensuring communities that can become isolated in natural disasters, are encouraged and empowered to navigate the vast number of resources available, resulting  in the development of their own, tailor-made, animal-aware bushfire plans 
• enhancing the on-ground capability and capacity of the government veterinary service (LLS/NSW DPI vets), the usual first responders in natural disasters involving animals 
• contributing to reviews regarding wildlife in natural disasters 

Enrichment for pigs 

NSW DPI in conjunction with the Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP) has developed a new fact sheet for research establishments that care for pigs. The animal research fact sheet Environmental enrichment for pigs, provides guidance to research establishments and researchers on the provision of environmental enrichment for pigs. Environmental enrichment for both indoor and outdoor pigs is important as it may enhance their welfare and be associated with an increase in their physical and mental wellbeing. 

The fact sheet supplements the standard condition placed on research establishments that house pigs, requiring that Unless approved by the Animal Ethics Committee, pigs should be housed in enclosures in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes (Appendix A). 

Fire safety in stables

NSW DPI has updated and improved advisory information related to fire safety in stables. With input from NSW Fire & Rescue, this information is now available on NSW DPI‘s website. 

Stable fires occur frequently and can cause severe injury or death to both horses and people.  While controlling fires is best left to professional firefighters, taking steps to prevent fires is the most critical step in avoiding loss of life and property from stable fires. 

Desexing your pets 

Desexing your cat or dog improves their health and wellbeing. Desexing reduces the likelihood of anti-social animal behaviours, reduces the impact of feral, stray and roaming animals on wildlife and agricultural industries, prevents unwanted litters, eases the burden on pounds and shelters and reduces euthanasia rates. 

The NSW Government is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare.  

For more information about companion animal welfare, visit the NSW DPI website.

Anyone wishing to receive this newsletter and other updates from us can register online.

Wishing you and your animals good health.

Dr Kim Filmer BVSc, GCMgt N3669
Chief Animal Welfare Officer
NSW Department of Primary Industries