Question regarding DPIRD's response to livestock welfare concerns following fires in Kondinin and Lake Grace, specifically regarding the provision of veterinary assistance for euthanasia. The Minister's answer clarifies DPIRD's actions and communication with the property owner.

AnsweredQoN 137Legislative Council
Asked
15 March 2022
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

AGRICULTURE — LIVESTOCK EUTHANASIA
137. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Agriculture and
Food:
I refer to the fires that occurred
within the Shires of Kondinin and Lake Grace on 11–12 February 2022.
(1) Was the Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development contacted on Saturday, 12 February to assist with
assessing and potentially euthanising livestock?
(2) As a consequence of that contact

(a) did an
officer from DPIRD commit to have a DPIRD veterinarian attend on the morning of
Sunday, 14 February 2022; and
(b) did a DPIRD veterinarian
subsequently attend on that day?
(3) If no to (2)(b), why not; and,
were alternative solutions offered?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for the question.
(1)–(3) On
the evening of 11 February 2022, the Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development was contacted by a Corrigin farmer about an animal welfare
concern at a property in Newdegate. On that same night, DPIRD officers
contacted the Newdegate fire incident command and made contact with the
Newdegate property owner regarding the animal welfare concern, which is
consistent with the emergency response arrangements. The property owner, as the
person responsible for the care and welfare of the animals, advised that they
had arranged for the assessment of the animals on 12 February and, again, on 13
February. There was no request by the property owners for a DPIRD veterinarian
to attend. It is understood that animals were euthanised on 12 and 13 February.
DPIRD made further contact with the property owner on 14 February to ensure
that all possible assistance was being provided.

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