0 Crisis Response Plan AVA Victorian Division February 2014
1 Table of Contents Acronyms, Definitions, Web Links & Other Relevant Documents pg 2 Introduction pg 3 Purpose and Scope pg 3 Guiding Principles pg 3 Authority and Governance pg 3 Emergencies Impacting Animal Welfare pg 4 Animal Welfare Services pg 5 Operating Principles pg 5 Roles and Responsibilities pg 7 Appendix 1 Definitions pg 9 Appendix 2 Other Relevant Documents pg 11 Appendix 3 Guiding Principles pg 12 Appendix 4 Definitions: Level 1, 2 and 3 incidents pg 13
2 ACRONYMS, DEFINITIONS AND WEB LINKS Acronyms AVA CEO CFA DEPI EMMV EO IC MAV MERC MFB RSPCA SEAWC SES SIGs VEAWC Australian Veterinary Association Chief Executive Officer (AVA) Country Fire Authority Department of Environment and Primary Industries Emergency Management Manual of Victoria Executive Officer (Victorian Division) Incident Controller Municipal Association of Victoria Municipal Emergency Response Co-ordinator Metropolitan Fire Brigade Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator State Emergency Service Special Interest Groups of the AVA Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee Definitions This document uses the same definitions as the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan [see Appendix 1]. Web Links Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan [DEPI]: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies/animals-in-emergencies/about-the-victorianemergency-animal-welfare-plan/victorian-emergency-animal-welfare-plan Wildlife Rescue Protocols [DEPI & CFA]: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/ data/assets/pdf_file/0020/205751/wildlife_rescue_protocol_dse_cfa_fina l_nov2010_signed2.pdf Other Relevant Documents [see Appendix 2]
3 INTRODUCTION The AVA [Victorian Division] Crisis Response Plan sets out the Division s plan for responding to medium and large scale emergencies that impact animal welfare. The Plan follows consultation with the DEPI, as primary agency in emergency animal welfare support services. The Plan should be read in conjunction with the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan and the AVA National Crisis Response Plan. The Division crisis and emergency notification numbers are Bus Hrs 03 9600 2930 After Hours: 0418 990 338 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this document is to provide AVA members and other emergency services with a Plan that describes: AVA (Victorian Division) planning for animal welfare support services in an emergency including the Division s preparedness, response, relief and recovery activities, The roles and responsibilities of the AVA during an emergency, and AVA operating arrangements during an emergency to minimise animal welfare concerns. For the AVA, crises fall into three broad categories: Animal disease outbreaks (such as Hendra virus, foot and mouth disease or equine influenza) Natural disasters (such as floods, cyclones or bushfires) Internal crises for either the association or the profession (such as major defrauding of the association, or major threats to veterinary practices such as contaminated medications). GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Plan follows the principles outlined in the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan. [see Appendix 3 ] AUTHORITY and GOVERNANCE The EO, Victorian Division, is responsible for this Plan, including: Annual review by the AVA Victorian Division Executive Committee to examine the need for revision. Annual review by the Division s Emergency Management Taskforce to examine the need for revision. Post-incident review by the Division s Emergency Management Taskforce, including the debriefing of AVA staff, to examine the need for revision. The Taskforce is charged with the responsibility of co-ordinating the AVA [Victorian Division] response to animal welfare crises within Victoria, and is comprised of AVA members with experience or interest in disaster relief, and those with AVA governance and managerial roles, as well as co-opted members as required.
4 EMERGENCIES IMPACTING ANIMAL WELFARE If an emergency that involves animal welfare occurs, and specific plans and procedures are not defined, this Plan (or other relevant plans) may be used to guide an appropriate response. Specific operational plans for emergencies that impact on animal welfare Emergency Control Agency Primary Agency for Animal Welfare Support Storm (including hail), flood, tsunami, earthquake Fire Cetacean (whale and dolphin) entanglements or strandings Marine pollution emergencies Emergency animal disease Transport incidents (involving livestock) Hazardous spills or leaks (gas leaks, chemical, oil, radioactive or biological) Relevant Animal Welfare Plans and Procedures SES DEPI Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan CFA / DEPI / MFB (depending on location) DEPI Bushfire on public land: Working with fire agencies at Bushfires: Protocols for Volunteers Involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan DEPI DEPI Victorian Cetacean Contingency Plan Victorian Cetacean Emergency Plan (draft) Readiness and Response Plan for Large Whale Entanglement in Victoria Department of Transport DEPI Wildlife Response Plan for Marine Pollution Emergencies DEPI DEPI AUSVETPLAN Operational Procedures Manual: Livestock welfare and management Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan DEPI DEPI Livestock Transport Incident Response Policy DEPI Standard Operating Procedure: Transport Accidents Involving Livestock in Transit Gas, Chemical, Oil (CFA, MFB) Biological and radioactive (Dept of Health) Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan DEPI Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan Drought DEPI DEPI Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan
5 ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES AVA [Victorian Division] planning includes: Developing and reviewing plans and procedures, Ensuring contacts are current across government and non- government agencies and organisations, and Contributing to relevant committees and forums. When veterinary treatment of animals is required, animal owners and carers will normally be advised by DEPI assessment teams to seek veterinary advice from a private veterinarian. In medium to large scale emergencies, when private veterinarians may be operating beyond capacity, additional triage sites may be established to treat (or euthanase if necessary) animals impacted by the emergency. The AVA will facilitate resources (voluntary veterinarians, veterinary nurses or veterinarian supplies) for triage sites where established. The need for additional triage sites may be identified by local government, DEPI or local veterinary practitioners. When triage sites have been established, animal welfare assessment teams managed by DEPI will make owners and wildlife carers aware of these sites. DEPI-managed Wildlife Rescue Teams will arrange for the rescue and transport of injured wildlife to local vet clinics [depending on capacity], authorised wildlife rehabilitators or established triage sites for treatment, depending on the scale of the emergency. OPERATING PRINCIPLES The AVA (Victorian Division) will activate the Emergency Management Taskforce [Victorian Division] in the event of level 2 and 3 incidents and with the agreement of the CEO (or delegate) and the Division President [or delegate]. [See Appendix 4 for definitions of Level 1, 2 & 3 incidents] ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: AVA [Victorian Division] In the event of an emergency the AVA has the following roles and responsibilities within the overall emergency response. Prevention / Mitigation/ Risk Reduction Maintain a volunteer data base of veterinarians and veterinary nurses in order to supply information about volunteers to response agencies and to veterinarians requiring assistance but not to deploy volunteers Advise volunteers to consult with the Control Agency regarding their insurance coverage during volunteer service Advise practice owners, requesting volunteer assistance, to consult their insurance company regarding insurance coverage for volunteers working in their practice Advise volunteers that they must comply with the instructions of other emergency response agencies, including, SES, CFA, Victoria Police. Advise volunteers for wildlife triage centres that they must also comply with DEPI/CFA Protocols
6 Response Relief Activate the Division s Emergency Taskforce in level 2 and 3 incidents [see Appendix 3 for definitions of levels] Contact AVA members and other relevant stakeholders who may be affected to gather information about the situation. Recovery Inform AVA members and other relevant stakeholders about the emergency response. Utilise the resources of the AVA National Communications Team as appropriate. Assist DEPI with the dissemination of relevant information and participate in the crisis response with these Departments as required Facilitate communication between veterinarians and the AVA Division office. Facilitate contact with veterinary practice volunteers. Facilitate contact with volunteer Triage Veterinarians. Assist in the identification of veterinarians and practices within affected regions. Support veterinarians and practices to care for animals [emergency & long-term] and monitor the level of support being provided by veterinarians & practices [including pro bono work]. Liaise with affected Councils on their DISPLAN arrangements. Liaise with pharmaceutical companies using their distribution networks to transport essential supplies. Work with veterinarians in the proximity to affected areas and facilitate access for volunteer veterinarians to requisite supplies, for example, by storing locked bags. Liaise with DEPI and Zoos Victoria in the dissemination of information and advice for veterinarians regarding the treatment of wildlife. Liaise with DEPI in the dissemination of information and advice for veterinarians regarding the treatment of all other animals. Distribute fact sheets to veterinarians treating injured animals. Report unmet animal welfare needs arising from the emergency to relevant agencies and organisations. Advise the AVA Benevolent Fund of veterinarians in difficult financial circumstances as a result of the emergency. Assess the need for ongoing support for staff or volunteers who have been involved in the crisis response. The Division crisis and emergency notification numbers are Bus Hrs 03 9600 2930. After Hours: 0418 990 338
7 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Victorian Division Emergency Taskforce members The Taskforce s main role is to identify strategic issues and mobilise solutions. Member Role CEO Ensure necessary resources are made available National Communications Manager Provide communications assistance and advice Provide information monitoring and distribution Ensure the timely development and release of media statements, in consultation with the CEO and Division President Review and develop key messages, media releases, website and social media communication with the communications team Monitor and assess the media and public reactions to the emergency as it unfolds. Division Executive Officer Contact members who may be affected to gather information and make preliminary needs assessment Manage operational response Liaise with AVA National Communications Manager to ensure effective communication with Division members Liaise with State government and emergency response agencies [shared role with Division President] Liaise with Victorian Division Executive Committee Liaise with affected veterinary practices Assess need for additional office support. Maintain list of volunteers and competencies Division President Act as chief organisational spokesperson for the crisis Liaise with State government and emergency response agencies [shared role with Division EO]. Taskforce Chair [Division President or their nominee] Chair the Taskforce Supervise and participate in operational response Co-opted members Liaise with volunteers and requesting organisations Liaise with animal welfare organisations Liaise with wildlife associations and Zoos Victoria Liaise with pharmaceutical companies and veterinary suppliers SIG representatives as required Provide advice to the Taskforce.
8 The outcome of the AVA [Victorian Division] response will be evaluated at a debriefing including: Activation of the Emergency Management Taskforce, specifically: o Contact with affected members o Information gathering o Assessment of preliminary needs o Communications Plan including information monitoring through the communications team and Division staff Information to members, staff and other relevant stakeholders o Deployment of resources, and o Response decisions Contact with DEPI Animal Welfare Coordinator and relevent DEPI officers and information flow Advice to the AVA Benevolent Fund From the debriefing a review of actions will include: Reviewing the Emergency Taskforce functions Reviewing the Crisis Response Plan Reviewing participation in meetings of the VEAW Committee Reviewing participation in DEPI meetings as required Assessing the need for ongoing support for staff,volunteers and other members who have been involved in the crisis response Recommending any changes to the Division Executive Committee
9 Appendix 1 Definitions Agency A Government agency, including Commonwealth, State or local government authority. Animal Companion animals, livestock including horses and poultry, wildlife, birds, and fish [Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1986]. Animal welfare How an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behaviour, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter/killing. Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal; the treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. [OIE May 2008 - International Office of Animal Health]. Biosecurity The protection of the economy, the environment, social amenity or human health from negative impacts associated with the entry, establishment or spread of animal or plant pests and disease, or invasive plant and animal species. Command The direction of personnel and resources of an agency in the performance of that organisation s role and tasks. Authority to command is established in legislation or by agreement within an agency (Emergency Management Manual of Victoria,{EMMV, 2010}). Companion Animal Any non-human vertebrate animal kept for the purpose of companionship, recreation, protection or work with the following exclusions: a) animals kept exclusively for agricultural production on premises legally zoned or licensed for agricultural activities, b) horses kept solely for racing purposes (under Racing Act provisions), or c) any class, group, type or species declared by Governor in Council as being exempt. (Victorian Parliament Social Development Committee May 1989 'Inquiry into the Role and Welfare of Companion Animals in Society'). Control The overall direction of response activities in an emergency. Authority for control is established in legislation or in an emergency response plan, and carries with it the responsibility for tasking other agencies in accordance with the needs of the situation. Control relates to situations and operates horizontally across agencies. Control agency An agency nominated to control the response activities for a specified type of emergency (EMMV, 2010). Coordination Co-ordination involves the bringing together of agencies and resources to ensure effective response to and recovery from emergencies. The main functions of co-ordination are: In relation to response, ensuring that effective control has been established and maintained, and The systematic acquisition and allocation of resources in accordance with the requirements imposed by emergencies. Co-ordination operates throughout the management of response and recovery activities. Victoria Police is the co-ordination agency for response and the Department of Human Services is the co-ordination agency for recovery (EMMV, 2010). Emergency An emergency due to the actual or imminent occurrence of an event which in any way endangers or threatens to endanger the safety or health of any person in Victoria or which destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, any property in Victoria, or endangers or threatens to endanger the environment or an element of the environment in Victoria (EMMV, 2010). Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator Refer to State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator. Emergency Relief The provision of life support and essential needs to persons affected by an emergency (EMMV, 2010). Emergency Relief Centre A building or place established to provide life support and essential needs to persons affected by an emergency (including evacuees). Emergency relief centres are established on a temporary basis to cope
with the immediate needs of those affected during the initial response to the emergency. They do not imply any longer-term use of facilities as a location for recovery services (EMMV, 2010). Emergency Response Coordinator A member of the Victoria Police appointed as state, regional, municipal or field emergency response coordinator, whose role is to co-ordinate the response to an emergency. Included in this role is arranging for the provision of resources requested by control and support agencies. A Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator (MERC) will advise the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator of the potential need for supplementary resources. The Regional Emergency Response Coordinator (RERC) will arrange to provide regional resources requested by a MERC, or if necessary, elevate the resource request to the State Emergency Response Coordinator (SERC) (EMMV, 2010). Evacuation The planned relocation of persons from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer areas and eventual return. Evacuation may be undertaken on their own volition and independent of any advice, or it may be after an assessment of information provided by a control agency. (Extract from the EMMV, Part 3 - State Emergency Response Plan - Community Safety Evacuation). Fodder Feed for livestock such as hay, or pre-prepared feedstuffs designed specifically for livestock. Livestock (a) Any animal kept for the purposes of primary production, including cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, ratites, buffalo, camels, alpacas, goats and deer; or (b) horses, including where used for recreation; or (c) any animals prescribed as livestock (Livestock Management Act, 2010). Organisation Any non-government or not for profit entity, company or authority. Persons in Charge of animals A person who is the owner or has the animal in their possession or custody, or under the person s care, control or supervision and any employee or agent of the owner of the animal. Recovery The assisting of persons and communities affected by emergencies to achieve a proper and effective level of functioning (EMMV, 2010). Salvage slaughter The processing of animals through an abattoir. Livestock impacted by an emergency, suitable for salvage slaughter are those that do not show signs of distress and are fit enough to be transported. State Emergency Animal Welfare Coordinator A role established by DEPI when an emergency requires statewide coordination of animal welfare service arrangements across multiple agencies and organisations. The SEAWC manages the State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit when activated. State Emergency Animal Welfare Unit A unit established by DEPI to assist in the state-wide coordination of animal welfare services and resources. The unit will operate within a DEPI state level incident management structure (when in place) or that of a control agency. Support agency An agency which provides services, personnel, or material to support or assist a control agency or affected persons. DEPI is the primary Agency for companion animal, livestock and wildlife welfare support services. Triage The process of determining the priority of veterinary treatment based on the severity of an animal s condition. This rations veterinary treatment efficiently when resources are insufficient for all to be treated immediately. Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee A consultative forum that provides ongoing leadership and oversight in the development and review of plans and policies relating to emergency animal welfare management. Membership includes DEPI (chair), RSPCA, MAV, local government and AVA. Wildlife Any vertebrate animal indigenous to Australia, some non-indigenous vertebrates (deer and game birds declared to be wildlife under the Wildlife Act, 1975), any terrestrial invertebrates listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, 1988, and does not include fish within the meaning of the Fisheries Act, 1995. 10
11 Appendix 2 Other relevant documents Other relevant documents include but are not limited to: Emergency Management Act, 1986 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ema1986190/ o o o o Emergency Management Manual Victoria - http://www.oesc.vic.gov.au/emergencymanual State Emergency Relief and Recovery Plan - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-thedepartment/plans,-programs-and-projects/plans-and-strategies/emergency-management/stateemergency-relief-and-recovery-plan Department of Human Services Emergency Relief Handbook - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-thedepartment/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/emergency-reliefhandbook Municipal Association of Victoria Emergency Management - http://www.mav.asn.au/policyservices/emergency-management/pages/default.aspx Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1986 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/poctaa1986360/ o Underpinning Codes of Accepted Practice for the Welfare of Animals (refer to Appendix 1 for further information) Domestic Animals Act, 1994 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/daa1994163/ Livestock Management Act, 2010 - http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/about-agriculture/legislationregulation/all-acts/livestock-management-act Impounding of Livestock Act, 1994 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/iola1994259/ Wildlife Act, 1975 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/wa197593/ Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, 2000 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/bill/fafgb2000295/ Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act, 2004 - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ohasa2004273/
12 Appendix 3 Guiding Principles Source: VEAW Plan In implementing this Plan the following principles apply: The safety and welfare of all people is the overarching priority at all times. The responsibility for the welfare of animals at all times remains with the person in charge of an animal. Emergency arrangements for animal welfare do not override normal legislative functions however the given circumstances may call for discretion in managing compliance given potential risks to human life or other practical limitations perceived to be present during the emergency. This Plan does not replace animal welfare arrangements described in existing emergency plans (ie. AUSVETPLAN and plans relating to cetacean entanglements or strandings and marine pollution). Organisations may strive for higher animal welfare standards than outlined in this document. While arrangements described in this Plan are typical, it is recognised that a Control Agency may recommend additional or alternative actions at the incident, regional or state level to meet the needs of the particular emergency. As the capacity and capability of agencies and organisations in animal welfare services will change, an adaptive, flexible and whole of government approach to arrangements is essential to ensuring the objectives of this Plan are met.
13 Appendix 4 Definitions: Level 1, 2 and 3 incidents Source: EMMV, 2010 Level 1 response is characterised by: being able to be resolved through the use of local or initial response resources only. In a Level 1 emergency response, the major function is operations to resolve the emergency. Control is limited to the immediate area, and therefore, the operations function can usually be carried out by the Incident Controller. The Incident Controller considers which other functions need to be undertaken, e.g. Planning, Operations, Logistics, information etc. As the scale and complexity is relatively minor, the other IMS functions will generally be undertaken concurrently by the Incident Controller. More complex emergency response, either in size, resources or risk. Level 2 response is characterised by the need for: o deployment of resources beyond initial response o sectorisation of the emergency o the establishment of functional sections due to the levels of complexity or o a combination of the above. Level 3 response is characterised by: degrees of complexity that may require a more substantial establishment for management of the situation. These emergencies will usually involve delegation of all incident management functions.