Today saw the Animal Aid staff and volunteers move further into the recovery phase of this disaster with discussions with local Council and the VFF.

our biggest challenge at the moment is storage for hard feed and hay so that we can continue to assist into the coming months. we have a plan that is coming together with some more assistance from our amazing supporters - and many people that we have not had contact with previously which really is outstanding.

more deliveries went out to the surrounding areas to people with pet stock and wildlife which is moving into their paddocks and seeking refuge. we very much want to support these people, particularly with the wildlife. We understand not all people are prepared to have the wildlife move in with them so are happy to supply grass hay to those that are. Our vets have been out on wildlife calls and sought professional assistance from Healesville Sanctuary who have been wonderful.

we have made the decision today to institute an emergency clause of the Code of Practice that we operate under for Pounds and Shelters. This will enable us to hold those animals brought in to us from fire affected areas for much longer that the normal statutory periods. we will obviously go to extra ordinary lengths to find the owners of any animals that are with us and not claimed, from those areas.

work is also progressing on the function that is being organized for us at Leonda on the Yarra on 1st March. Every cent raised at this event will benefit those animals assisted by Animal Aid which is extremely generous. we hope to see you all there!

The animals under our care in our Vet Clinic are progressing well too which is wonderful news. Bella the Cattle Dog who appeared in the Herald Sun article was transferred to the Melbourne University Veterinary Clinic at Werribbee to receive specialist care and we are most grateful for their assistance. We are happy to report that not only has her owner been found but she will be ready to return to us next week where she can be visited regularly by her family who have been through an indescribable experience.