New Australasian Large Animal Rescue Standards Forum Established

Demonstration of prototype quick release spreader bar  (traditional spreader bars have no quick release mechanism, which can lead to entanglement of the animal patient)  “Riley” is the mannequin horse (photo: Denzil O'Brien)

“Riley”  on a rescue glide and in a bow loading boat (Photo: Horse SA)

World experts gathered recently at the International Large Animal Rescue Conference hosted by Horse SA, a not-for-profit community group, at the University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus. 

The conference had four themes; Large Animal Rescue, Event Incident Management, Livestock Transport & Animals in Disaster.

Speakers included Jim Green from Hampshire Fire & Rescue (UK), Dr Rebecca Gimenez of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (USA) and Dr Ian Dacre, WSPA Disaster Management Operations Director for the Asia-Pacific Region.

Conference delegates travelled from most states of Australia, New Zealand and India.

Emergency services, veterinarians, researchers and horse organisations were represented.

As a result of the gathering, a new Australasian Large Animal Rescue Standards Forum has been established.

Drawing from the overseas experience and current Australian knowledge, this group will be the catalyst to draw together persons and organisations with an interest in veterinary care, training and technical rescue in the specialty field of Large Animal Rescue in the Australian context.

The group establishment allows for the pathway to a new national not-for-profit organisation, national training standards & greater interface with government and community relating to animals in disasters.

The conference also provided an opportunity to award Jim Green the Sheri Holmes Memorial Award for Large Animal Rescue Leadership sponsored by Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue.

Winner of the poster competition was an entry by Dr Rebecca McConnico from the Louisiana State University USA on the topic of biosecurity.

Large Animal Rescue is a skill set combining animal welfare and workplace safety knowledge which can be applied across a wide range of situations.

Major sponsors were Resquip, Light Regional Council & Safety Access & Training Australia.

For more information about the Forum and International Large Animal Rescue Conference visit www.horsesa.asn.au