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Earthquake Response In Christchurch, New Zealand

Author: New Zealand Veterinary Association
Posted: Thursday 24th February, 2011. 10:04:15

THE NZVA has been contacting veterinary clinics in the Christchurch area and established the following:

• a small number of companion animals have been presented to clinics with minor injuries (cuts, abrasions etc) generally and a few animals with fractures


• many animals are distressed and tranquilizers have been sold to many clients


• most clinics are operative - some have power and water, others have one or the other, most have had communications, although 3-4 clinics were not able to be contacted.


• 4 clinics are closed because of damage


• clinics have not been overwhelmed with injured animals


• equine practices report that there have been no reports of injuries to horses


• the Christchurch after hours clinic has been relocated to a suburban clinic as it has no power, or water and has structural damage


• some 'stray' cats and dogs have been brought into clinics - some have been reported to the SPCA, some have been reunited with owners because of microchips and others have sent home with the clients who have brought them in.

Contact with the pork and poultry industry associations reveals that there have been no reports of damage to production units except for one pig farm. Both pork and poultry industries believe they have been able to communicate with most of their members in the Canterbury area. There might be some problems with slaughter facilities and feed suppliers but they don't believe this will be the case.

Federated Farmers report very little damage in rural areas outside of Christchurch - most damage has been to roads. There appear to be no animal welfare issues.

RSPCA will be positioning two senior inspectors in Christchurch to assist the local SPCA (whose facilities were not affected). The NZVA has requested the following information:

• check if there are any apartment buildings in the CBD that have been damaged and/or may have pets trapped inside - not clear yet if these apartment buildings would have been evacuated. Christchurch does not have a large amount of inner city apartment buildings though


• check with welfare centres to ascertain if evacuees have turned up with pets or service dogs


• check if rescue dogs need specific veterinary attention which cannot be provided by Christchurch veterinarians

The NZVA is compiling a list of veterinary resources and animal rescue personnel. There have already been some offers of assistance from local veterinarians and some from overseas.

In summary, due to the restricted area that the quake has affected (i.e. the Christchurch CBD) few animals have been adversely affected in contrast with the human population. At this stage there no need for the Massey VERT or the Wellington ARU teams to be deployed, nor the WSPA team. Massey Uiversity also has veterinarians available to assist. All teams continue to be on standby and awaiting receipt of first hand information from the SPCA inspectors.

The Companion Animal Registry has reported dozens of stray animals being reported and are speculating many more.

Meanwhile, repeated earthquakes are occuring while the massive internationally supported rescue effort continues.

New Zealand Veterinary Association

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