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Looking after livestock and pets

If you have a farm, you will need to think about your livestock in the event of a flood.
If you have pets at home, you will also need to consider their safety.

Livestock

  • Create a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those of your employees, neighbours, veterinarian, state veterinarian, poison control centre, local animal shelter, animal care and control, local Teagasc office and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
  • Make sure every animal has durable and visible identification.
  • Ensure that poultry have access to high areas in which to perch, as well as to food and clean water.
  • Remove barbed wire and consider rerouting permanent fencing so animals can move to high ground in a flood.
  • Make sure you have containers large enough to water your animals for a week.
  • Identify alternative water and power sources. A generator with a safely stored supply of fuel may be essential, especially if you have electrical equipment necessary to the well-being of your animals.
  • Secure or remove anything that could float and move about.
  • Identify routes by which livestock can escape to higher ground and away from floodwaters. In the event of a flood, open farm gates so that livestock can make their way to higher ground.
  • If water is rising, try to drive stock through water free of obstructions.  Grazing animals swim well, but the greatest problem for them are fences and other obstacles.

Pets

  • Do you have a plan for your family pet in case of a flood? Having supplies and a plan before a flood will give you peace of mind, save precious time and may even save your pet’s life.
  • Make sure that your pet has a durable name tag with your name and phone number on it.
  • If floodwater enters your property place pets upstairs or in cages above water level.
  • Is there someone who could look after your pet for the duration of the flood, if you have to evacuate?
  • In the event that you need to evacuate your house you will need supplies for your pet, such as:

– a sturdy crate and/or carrier/cage.
– a pet first aid kit.
– a leash and harness or collar.
– non-spill bowls.
– for cats, a litter box and litter.
– food and water.