The City of Ballarat's animal management team was working extra hard to protect the city's furriest residents as storms lashed much of the state in recent days.
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On Wednesday alone, the shelter received 20 calls for displaced animals after thunder and lightning rang through the region.
Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said the shelter played an especially important role during weather events.
"For anyone who has ever lost a pet that has run off during a storm it is horrendous. The thought of them running scared on a thundery, wet night is very distressing and this is where the City of Ballarat's Animal Shelter plays such an important role," he said. "I know many staff stayed on into the evening to make sure as many of the collected dogs as possible could be reunited with their worried owners that night."
The shelter also helped animals from nearby municipalities, housing 12 cats and dogs from Hepburn Shire while their owners were evacuated due to flooding.
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"Part of our role at the Ballarat Animal Shelter is assisting in retrieval of animals during floods that may be stranded on high ground or stuck and we really implore all livestock owners to check their animals when flash flooding occurs," she said.
"For household pets, being prepared and providing a safe dark, quiet place with a radio or TV on that reduces visual and sound effects can help significantly in keeping your pet calm and reassured. You can also invest in a 'thunder coat' and speak to your vet about medications in severe situations.
"Importantly, make sure your pet is registered and microchipped and that all your details are current and correct. That makes our job so much easier in getting them home to those missing them, as soon as possible."
Due to staff shortages caused by COVID, the shelter is temporarily closed to the public to focus on caring for the animals.
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