Operational guidelines for animal rescue and assistance now available online
The document provides essential contacts for safeguarding animals in areas affected by disasters
The Operational guidelines concerning civil protection activities related to animal rescue and assistance have been published by decree of the Head of Department and are addressed to the components and operational units of the National Service involved in these activities.
In particular, the guidelines provide useful contacts to tackle different intervention scenarios, both in the planning phase and in emergency management, including: the management of animals recovered in the context of urgent technical rescue; the protection of the health and welfare of farm animals in case of damage to housing facilities or preventive evacuation; the continuity or restoration of veterinary assistance in areas affected by disasters; the protection of the health and welfare of companion animals accompanying the assisted population in reception areas.
The guidelines offer valuable contacts for addressing various intervention scenarios, both during the planning phase and in emergency management. This includes managing animals rescued during urgent technical rescue operations, ensuring the health and welfare of farm animals in cases of damage to their housing or during preventive evacuations, maintaining or restoring veterinary assistance in areas affected by disasters, and safeguarding the health and welfare of animals accompanying displaced individuals in reception areas.
The interventions focus on protecting companion and farm animals. They should be tailored to consider various risk scenarios and the potential effects on domestic animals located in public and private reception facilities, as well as in shelters, sanctuaries, colonies, and wildlife recovery centers.
The planning and management of emergencies related to animal rescue and assistance are guided by the provisions set out in the Civil Protection Code. The National Service is responsible for ensuring that, within the framework of the current situation and available resources, all necessary measures are taken to minimize the impact on animals in areas affected by natural or human-made disasters.