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Animal welfare emergency management strategic plan

The national animal welfare emergency management (AWEM) strategic plan outlines our vision, mission, and goals for preserving and protecting animals in emergencies. To achieve this, individuals, organisations, and communities must be supported to:

  • manage risks and improve readiness
  • respond in emergencies to protect animals
  • help the animal welfare sector to recover after an event.

The plan also includes 12 key objectives and an overview of what success looks like for each.

National AWEM strategic plan 2020-2030 [PDF, 3.6 MB]

Regional animal welfare emergency management plans

The regional AWEM plans have been prepared by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in collaboration with the regional Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups and animal welfare support agencies. Each plan documents the regional arrangements for coordinating animal welfare in emergencies from readiness to response to recovery.

These plans are relevant to the unique hazards, environments, and demographics of each region and its animals. Response arrangements for each region include plans for:

  • evacuation
  • temporary emergency shelter
  • provision of essentials such as food, water and veterinary care.

They should be read along with each region's current CDEM group welfare plan.

CDEM groups

CDEM groups and plans – National Emergency Management Agency

Guidance for local animal welfare coordinators

MPI has developed a guide to support local animal welfare coordinators in managing animal welfare during emergencies.

The objectives of the guide are to:

  • clearly define the roles and responsibilities of local animal welfare coordinators throughout all phases of emergency management, including risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery
  • outline the coordination framework for animal welfare between local and regional governments, national agencies, non-government agencies, the community, and animal owners
  • provide essential resources and tools for effective emergency management.

Local animal welfare coordinator guide [PDF, 13 MB]

Who to contact

If you have questions about animal welfare emergency management:

MPI business units