RSPCA South Australia has today launched a Bushfire Appeal to support the efforts of its staff and allied rescue organisations. All funds raised will go directly towards animal rescue and care work taking place in the aftermath of the Adelaide Hills fires and amidst the ongoing Kangaroo Island fires.
The Bushfire Appeal launch comes as a team comprising RSPCA South Australia veterinary and inspectorate staff prepares to travel to Kangaroo Island tomorrow to assist with animal recovery and rescue efforts.
The Kangaroo Island deployment is expected to be long-term, with rotating teams from RSPCA South Australia lined up to assist over coming weeks.
It follows last month’s deployment of six RSPCA South Australia inspectors to fire-ravaged properties in the Adelaide Hills, where they assisted PIRSA officials in the assessment and humane euthanasia of burned livestock, mainly sheep.
More than 3,700 livestock perished as a result of the Hills fires. Total stock losses for all fires in South Australia this summer is expected to be in the tens of thousands.
According to RSPCA South Australia’s Chief Inspector Andrea Lewis, the situation on Kangaroo Island is fluid and the organisation is working to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
“The primary focus for our work on Kangaroo Island will be wildlife,” Ms Lewis said.
“For animals that have survived these bushfires, many will require extensive veterinary care for months and provisions are also needed to help animals survive the massive loss of habitat and food sources.
“These tragedies have touched hearts both nationally and internationally.
“With so many people wanting to help the recovery effort, we have launched a Bushfire Appeal to help ensure donations go directly to the skilled frontline forces who we know are actively relieving animal suffering and providing ongoing care.”
Ms Lewis said the scale of animal suffering in the aftermath of South Australia’s fires was like nothing RSPCA inspectors had witnessed before.
“I urge everyone to dig deep to assist the efforts of those individuals who are working tirelessly on behalf of animals that are so desperately in need of help,” Ms Lewis said.
“We guarantee that all donations will go towards targeted, practical support that will help animals that have survived this nightmarish experience to get back on their feet.
“Longer term, we hope to support initiatives towards regenerating their decimated habitats.”
Donations can be made directly to
