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The Hidden Victims of Drought In recent years, Victoria has experienced one of its worst droughts on record. The drought has had a severe effect on regional communities and animal welfare across the state. Droughts are now a part of life in Victoria and farmers need to ensure they have appropriate management plans in place when they occur. As well as a lack of water, feed for stock becomes scarce and costly for struggling farmers to purchase. Regardless of some good summer rain, the drought is still a major concern. The welfare of animals must be monitored on a regular basis. It is expected that over the next year drought conditions will not improve. The drought conditions across Victoria continue to have an impact, whilst other areas have experienced flooding. Extreme conditions result in higher numbers of complaints for our Inspectors to deal with. For the six months ended December 2007 the overall increase in complaints was in the order of 20 per cent compared to last year. These numbers continue to grow. RSPCA drought management activities have included:
RSPCA Victoria wants to work more closely with farmers to reduce the alarming increase in the number of inspections, complaints and referrals of cruelty to livestock. It is not only the RSPCA’s job to investigate whether owners are meeting their legal obligations to provide adequate care to their animals, but also to work with owners to find humane solutions for their animals.
Victoria has never seen such terrible drought conditions. It is dry, hot and barren. Farmers are really struggling and many have reduced their stock. Financially, farmers are finding it difficult to provide feed for their animals. More than 20 million Victorian farm animals have been affected by the drought. If farmers receive early advice and information as to the effects of drought conditions, this allows them to better manage and control the welfare of their animals. It is reported that many farmers have less than adequate amounts of paddock feed for their animals. Inadequate nutrition affects breeding stock and can cause infertility in males and problems during and after pregnancy for females. Other conditions that afflict normal livestock, such as parasites and lice, have a more serious impact on animals in poor body condition. Poisoning can also be a problem as hungry animals will eat plants they would not normally eat (e.g. bracken fern) and eat other poisons (e.g. arsenic and lead) in their pursuit of feed. Livestock owners need to look very closely at their animals' nutritional needs during the winter months. Just because there may be a tinge of green in the grass does not guarantee it contains the nutritional value that animals require during winter. Animals weakened by the drought may suffer in the winter months. Horse owners, for example, must take into account that the drought may have reduced their animals’ condition, and cold, wintry conditions may cause further deterioration. Once it gets cold it can be very difficult to keep weight on animals. Owners must keep a regular check on their animals' body condition and respond appropriately. If the animal is not holding its weight and the owner cannot provide appropriate supplementary feed, the owner must consider de-stocking. Like humans, animals burn the energy in the food they consume to keep themselves warm in cold weather, they will need more energy from their food to keep their weight up and stay healthy. Animals at most risk are those with extra energy demands, such as pregnant mares, aged horses, those subject to extreme weather or with foals at foot, and those in work. Ewes nearing lambing are prone to pregnancy toxaemia in winter. The disease is caused by poor nutrition during the last six weeks of pregnancy. Extra hay and hard feed rations were usually required. Good quality hay provides fibre and roughage and the heat produced during digestion provides an internal heating system. Some owners may have to make urgent decisions in the best interest of their animals' welfare and should have all available information to make the best decision. When responding to reports or complaints, the RSPCA Inspectorate’s immediate priority is to ensure that animals are out of immediate risk. Inspectors will then conduct an investigation to establish whether there has been any breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - Penalties State animal welfare legislation determines that a person commits an act of cruelty if the person fails to provide an animal with proper and sufficient food, drink and shelter. Penalties under the Act are severe – up to $24,000 in fines, up to two years imprisonment or a banning order from being in charge of animals for up to 10 years. It is also an offence if a person unreasonably fails to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment for the animal. RSPCA will prosecute offenders if necessary, or where appropriate, and continue to work with and influence government to improve the legislative framework and enforcement. The RSPCA warns all hobby, and absentee farmers, to ensure that their livestock are regularly checked by responsible persons during this severe period of drought conditions currently in existence in Victoria, particularly the Central, Western, North West, North East and Northern areas of the State. The RSPCA encourages all hobby and absentee farmers to appoint a responsible person to check their livestock daily. The RSPCA urges those hobby and absentee farmers who may have some concerns, to contact their local Department of Primary Industry office to obtain further information about looking after stock in drought conditions. The RSPCA warns all horse owners, and those who are in charge of horses on agistment, to ensure their horses are regularly checked during drought conditions. RSPCA Inspectors have identified some areas of concern. Horses in poorly constructed paddocks, hooves that need attention, no natural shelter, horses subjected to extreme weather conditions, horses eating fodder off sandy ground, rubbish and string scattered around paddocks. Horses and ponies need large amounts of pasture to enable them to spend suitable amounts of time grazing. When good quality pasture is not available, it must be replaced with good quality pasture hay. Historically the grass will die off in the heat of the summer and will grow very slowly in the winter The cost of feeding a horse can vary greatly depending on the size and breed. Feed prices as at January 2008 (from a feed store) are approximately:
RSPCA Inspectors recommend horse owners put a preventative maintenance plan into action.
The RSPCA urges those horse owners, or those in charge of horses on agistment, who may have some concerns, to obtain a copy of the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses from their local Department of Primary Industries office. Is there sufficient water on the property for the animals to last until winter? [DPI has tools to help calculate water requirements]. Can sufficient and appropriate nutritional feed be made available or sustained for the next six months? [DPI has tools to help calculate feed requirements].
There is plenty of quality information available to farmers affected by the
drought.
Current Codes, publications and free DPI Agriculture notes are available on the web at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au (then click on agriculture- Animal welfare), DPI offices or:
Bureau of Animal Welfare > Back to top
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