Horse owners in Victoria are coping with the impact that the still raging bush fires have had on their homes and livestock.

Many horses and ponies have died in the fires and more have had to be put down after suffering terrible burns. Other horses which have survived major bodily harm as fire has swept through their paddocks will also have to be destroyed as they have suffered burns up to their coronets so will lose their hooves.

Advice for protecting horses that are still at risk is to move them if possible to safe ground including bare, ploughed or irrigated paddocks. Headcollars, fly veils, rugs and anything else that could burn should be removed. Horses should not be let out onto public roads.

The equestrian community across Australia is pulling together to help people affected by the fires including raising money and collecting supplies.

Australia’s Department of Primary Industries is ready to send teams of animal health officers and vets to the area to access the situation. The DPI’s senior vet, Lloyd Klumpp says that livestock owners have three main options:

Destroy immediately - if the animal is down, unable to walk, has excessive burns, swelling of limbs or difficulty breathing.

Keep and nurse - if the animal is mobile and alert or has burns to less than ten per cent of its body. These animals will need shade, water, feed, daily inspection and veterinary advice and treatment. They will also need constant reassessment.

No apparent damage - Livestock will still need shade, water and feed and they will also need to be reassessed.

How you can help

Equestrian Federation of Australia VIC Branch

EFA members affected by the bushfires who need help should contact EFA on 0400 917 037. Members who can provide housing of horses or feed please contact EFA on info@efavic.com.au or phone (03) 9013 0707 Ext. 400

To provide feed or shelter for farm livestock:

Contact the Victorian Farmers Federation
Phone: 1300 882 833
Email: vff@vff.org.au

Donate to the VFF’s Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund

Download the VFF’s Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund Form