Mr KURRUPUWU - 2015-02-24
Ms Walker: Shame on you for supporting him.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In spite of the assistance of a microphone, I cannot hear the member over the interjections of the member for Nhulunbuy.
Mr KURRUPUWU: Can the minister update the House on the importance of keeping animals safe during cyclones and storms?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. It is relevant given what has happened with Cyclone Lam, with the devastation caused in East Arnhem Land and the potential for animals to be injured. We want to ensure we get the right messages out so during storms or inclement weather people do the right thing and look after their animals. With Cyclone Lam, we saw how cyclones and storms can have a devastating effect on the community. The loss of a pet during this time of stress can add to the devastation. It is important for Territorians to remember their pets when they carry out their emergency planning.
Advanced planning can mean the difference between life and death for an animal. I do not need to put too fine a point on that; it can make all the difference.
Cyclones and storms are stressful for pets as well as people. Animals often react unpredictably when under stress and scared. Even the most trustworthy pets can panic, hide and try to escape. They can even become dangerous and snappy. Residents can limit this type of behaviour by preparing. Anyone thinking of relocating their pets needs to do so in advance of the storm or cyclone heading their way. It is simply too dangerous to move them during a major storm event.
There are some other simple tips to help residents keep their pets safe. Bring your pets inside and keep them in a secure room, ensure they have adequate supply of food and water, provide bedding, encourage calm behaviour and never leave pets tied up during a cyclone or storm. That is very important because pets need somewhere to go; they will retreat to a safe place, but if they are tied up they cannot do so.
It is also important to consider horses and livestock when planning for inclement weather. Horses and livestock need to be moved to areas that do not flood or have the potential for flying objects or debris to cause injury.
Ms Walker: Will you fly vets out to affected communities?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy!
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: I can barely hear myself over the top of member for Nhulunbuy.
Mr Blain: They do not like pets.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Clearly they think biosecurity is a joke and they do not like pets.
If animals are left in paddocks, it is vital that fences are in good repair and loose objects are stored or tied down. Anyone who wants to know more about keeping their pets safe should go to www.animalwelfare.nt.gov.au or call the animal welfare hotline on 1300 720 386.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In spite of the assistance of a microphone, I cannot hear the member over the interjections of the member for Nhulunbuy.
Mr KURRUPUWU: Can the minister update the House on the importance of keeping animals safe during cyclones and storms?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. It is relevant given what has happened with Cyclone Lam, with the devastation caused in East Arnhem Land and the potential for animals to be injured. We want to ensure we get the right messages out so during storms or inclement weather people do the right thing and look after their animals. With Cyclone Lam, we saw how cyclones and storms can have a devastating effect on the community. The loss of a pet during this time of stress can add to the devastation. It is important for Territorians to remember their pets when they carry out their emergency planning.
Advanced planning can mean the difference between life and death for an animal. I do not need to put too fine a point on that; it can make all the difference.
Cyclones and storms are stressful for pets as well as people. Animals often react unpredictably when under stress and scared. Even the most trustworthy pets can panic, hide and try to escape. They can even become dangerous and snappy. Residents can limit this type of behaviour by preparing. Anyone thinking of relocating their pets needs to do so in advance of the storm or cyclone heading their way. It is simply too dangerous to move them during a major storm event.
There are some other simple tips to help residents keep their pets safe. Bring your pets inside and keep them in a secure room, ensure they have adequate supply of food and water, provide bedding, encourage calm behaviour and never leave pets tied up during a cyclone or storm. That is very important because pets need somewhere to go; they will retreat to a safe place, but if they are tied up they cannot do so.
It is also important to consider horses and livestock when planning for inclement weather. Horses and livestock need to be moved to areas that do not flood or have the potential for flying objects or debris to cause injury.
Ms Walker: Will you fly vets out to affected communities?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy!
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: I can barely hear myself over the top of member for Nhulunbuy.
Mr Blain: They do not like pets.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Clearly they think biosecurity is a joke and they do not like pets.
If animals are left in paddocks, it is vital that fences are in good repair and loose objects are stored or tied down. Anyone who wants to know more about keeping their pets safe should go to www.animalwelfare.nt.gov.au or call the animal welfare hotline on 1300 720 386.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016