Weeks after the Victorian bush fire tragedy, it is still very much an issue. To all listeners and website visitors everywhere our heartfelt condolences for any and all losses you or family and friends may have suffered. 

The human loss is staggering already but the loss of life to animals, both domestic and wild may never fully be known.

We were also reminded by a listener in Queensland not to forget them either... the floods in the northern part of that state are phenomenal with loss of income, homes, human life and of course animals being displaced, drowned or simply 'lost'.

Please know that our thoughts are with you all at this time.

Pet Industry Members Answer The Call To Action For Victorian Fire Victims
Listening to talkback radio since the devastating Victorian bush fires began around 7th/8th of February '09 made us realise how generous Aussies are in times like this. 

It's been great to hear and see on the nightly news the sheer volume of practical support being offered every day.

Behind the scenes however a lot has been going on that gets little or no publicity.

We know many animal rescue groups and individuals have been doing a wonderful job offering homes for displaced animals (and people!) and the RSPCA and local veterinarians have been doing likewise caring for stock, wildlife and of course domestic pets.

Kind Hearted People
One group of 'quiet achievers' who have responded to the urgent call for animal accommodation are from the (mainly) Boarding Members group of the PIAA - Pet Industry Association of Australia.

In total these people have made available or are currently providing accommodation at no charge for up to 850 dogs and 650 cats.

The list is being added to daily and is available on their website, however you can see the current list here.

We'd like to say well done to all those people and the PIAA for their prompt response to this disaster.

The PIAA have also been very active working alongside the  RSPCA and VicDPI (Dept. of Primary Industries) as well as NSWDPI who are also assisting VicDPI.

This emergency is far from over. Media interest will have waned after a few weeks but the emergency is far from over.

Anyone who wants to provide goods or services can register 
via the Dogs Victoria website or the RSPCA Victoria website.

Other groups such as Pet Rescue have also provided links to aid pet and animal owners in this disaster.

Please remember - thousands of people who are never mentioned in mainstream media will have lost family, friends and their furry, feathered and four legged friends.

Spare a thought for them all please.

Better still, if you are able to do something, make sure you register with the websites above. 

It doesn't have to be money. 
It doesn't have to be today. 
Just do what you can when you can.... 


Brian Pickering
Producer/Co-host
Pet Talk Radio!