$84,000 donated to save animals injured after Pinery fire

Friday, 11 December 2015

The University of Adelaide is extending a warm thank you to all members of the public who have generously donated to the RSPCA after the recent devastating Pinery fire.

The RSPCA has received over $84,000 towards helping the University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and the Veterinary Health Centres at Roseworthy treat pets and livestock injured in the blaze.

Among the donations is $25,000 from the Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch) and Licensed Clubs Association (Clubs SA) as part of their charitable commitment to needy causes in South Australia.

“We were delighted with the response of the public, and especially organisations such as the Hotels and Clubs Associations, and we thank everyone who has donated, no matter how big or small their contribution,” says the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington.

“The generous donations received on behalf of our Roseworthy Veterinary Health Centre by the RSPCA have been used to pay for bandages, dressings, antibiotics, drugs and fluids for fire-affected animals.

“Thousands of livestock plus many pets and wildlife suffered critical burns, smoke inhalation and other injuries as a result of the fire, while sadly thousands more did not survive.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of University staff and students, many of these animals were able to receive lifesaving care,” Professor Bebbington says.

RSPCA South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tim Vasudeva, says that at times of crisis like the Pinery bushfires, collaboration between organisations helps the greatest number of animals in need.

“RSPCA South Australia works closely with Roseworthy Veterinary Vet Centre all year round, and when the bushfires hit, we were able to utilise our fundraising website platform to reach out to the community and help raise funds for fire-affected animals.

“We’d like to thank the community for their generosity – it will make a big difference to fire affected animals and their families.”

Freggley the cat was just one of the many survivors who received lifesaving treatment at the Companion Animal Health Centre. He spent up to 24 hours on the fire ground and received burns to 40% of his body. He was found in a paddock next to the burnt remains of his family’s home.

Freggley was taken to the University’s veterinary clinic at the Roseworthy campus, where he spent several days in intensive care. He joined a number of other animals being treated for burns and other injuries at the centre including over 25 dogs, cats and wildlife, as well as a number of horses.

While treatment was provided to these animals at a discount or without charge, the University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences could not absorb the entirety of the costs.

“We cannot express enough gratitude for those who have donated to this worthy cause,” Professor Bebbington says.

Ahead of a long bushfire season, RSPCA South Australia has launched a “Pet Emergency Plan” campaign which provides resources and information to people about including their pets in their bushfire survival plan.

For more information on preparing your pets for an emergency, visit www.rspcasa.org.au/the-issues/animals-in-emergencies/

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