Australian Horse Industry Council - AHIC

14/02/2026

After much work and advocacy, the Australian Horse Industry Council would like to congratulate the Racing Education Centre in Bendigo who will soon be the first Registered Training Organisation offering nationally accredited training in Large Animal Incident Rescue.

The AHIC, through President Mark Burnell, has been working to achieve this outcome for many years and seeing it fulfilled is a significant achievement in improving the care of horses, donkeys and mules.

Achieving recognition of the skill set will secure the future for this training, allowing for those who complete it to be officially certified.

This means more people trained in the proper ways to rescue large animals (like horses, donkeys and cattle) leading to better outcomes for our much loved animals as well as for the people that care for them.

Best practice training will ensure best practice care, keeping both rescuer and rescuee safe throughout what are highly risky and dangerous situations.

With more than 1 million horses in Australia (outside of the racing industries) who can sometimes find themselves in precarious positions, looking after our large four legged friends when they find themselves in trouble is much needed across the nation.

The success of this will build on the success of the Arthur's Creek Large Animal Incident Rescue unit which has delivered some delightful and heart-warming rescues over recent years.

When enrolment opens places will be prioritised for SES, CFA and other first responders.

Racing Education Centre / Formerly HRTC
Arthurs Creek & Strathewen CFA

27/01/2026

🐄 Moving animals early is key when preparing for potential bushfire emergencies.

🌡️ With high temperatures this week, livestock owners may need to move animals urgently and without notice, especially in the event of a bushfire emergency.

It’s important you only move your livestock when its safe to do so – and always continue to follow all advice from VicEmergency around leaving early.

The Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017 allows livestock to be moved without approved NLIS identification or vendor declarations in emergency situations.

👉 Find more information on moving livestock during emergencies here: agriculture.vic.gov.au/p2p

For the latest emergency information, visit emergency.vic.gov.au

If you have urgent animal welfare needs, please call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

23/01/2026

The NSW Government reminds all horse owners to be one step ahead against Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) this summer.

Warm weather and rain create ideal conditions for mosquitoes that spread JEV, - a virus that can infect horses.

🐎 Many horses show no signs, but some may develop fever, lethargy, loss of appetite or more serious neurological symptoms.

🛡 You can reduce risk by stabling at dusk/dawn, using repellents, fly-masks, and rugs; eliminating standing water, and keeping stables mosquito-proof.

📞 If you notice unusual behaviour or illness in a horse, report it straight away to your vet or call 1800 675 888.

👉 Learn more from NSW Government: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/animal-diseases-of-concern-for-nsw2/japanese-encephalitis-virus

19/01/2026

In the wake of the fires, many Victorians are eager to help animals including livestock, horses, pets, wildlife and others in need, but it’s important to do so safely and responsibly.

✅ When assisting animals following a bushfire, remember:

Even after a fire has passed, firegrounds remain dangerous and members of public must not enter.

In declared fire zones, wildlife carers are not allowed to operate independently of fire agencies. Forest Fire Management Victoria will deploy trained wildlife officers when it is safe to do so.

Landowners do not need to wait for Agriculture Victoria staff to visit to euthanise impacted livestock if they are confident they can do so legally, humanely and safely.

While relieving pain and suffering is a priority, euthanasia must be carried out lawfully and humanely. Please do not euthanise animals unless you have permission from the owner or are authorised by a relevant agency.

☎️ You can report an animal that has been impacted by fires by calling 1800 226 226.

👉 Find more information on managing animals after a fire on our website: https://go.vic.gov.au/4pDsRZR

17/01/2026

In response to the bushfires and ongoing drought, Look Over the Farm Gate applications are opening today, Friday 16 January 🙌

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.

🤝Managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.

15/01/2026

We’re here to support landholders disposing of deceased livestock with guidance and technical advice.

Landholders are responsible for managing deceased livestock as part of on-property recovery.

✅ We've set up a Livestock Disposal Advisory service to assist with disposal, and they can be contacted on 0407 145 007 and [email protected]

👉 For more information and additional resources on disposing of deceased livestock, please visit: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/what-to-do-after-a-bushfire/disposing-of-carcasses-after-bushfire-flood-or-drought

14/01/2026

12/01/2026

Emergency fodder is being made available for farmers in fire-affected areas. To request fodder, contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit vff.org.au

If you have urgent animal welfare needs, please call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

🤝 Victorian Farmers Federation

10/01/2026

If livestock have been lost due to bushfire, safe disposal of carcasses is essential to protect people, other animals and water quality.

Guidance on our website covers:
✅ Disposal options
✅ Biosecurity and environmental requirements
✅ Where to get help and advice

Read more 👉 go.vic.gov.au/49Wr9wl

09/01/2026

As the fire emergency continues in Victoria, remember you can stay up to date with the latest by listening to ABC Local Radio.
Details of how to listen to your local station in the link below.

For people in Central Victoria, were have heard reports that the ABC Transmitter in your area has been impacted, you can still listen via ABC Melbourne on 774 on the AM frequency dial or via the ABC Listen App.

We are thinking of all horse owners in impacted areas.

We will continue to share any updates from relevant Emergency Agencies throughout this period.

Stay informed in an emergency, set your local ABC radio station in the ABC listen app, and find the frequency on your battery-powered radio.

09/01/2026

If it’s safe for you to move large animals like horses, you can take them to these large animal relief centres:

📌 Seymour showgrounds - 55 Tallarook St, Seymour
📌 Mansfield Zoo - Mt Battery Road, Mansfield
📌 Mansfield Racecourse, 6165 Midland Hwy, Mansfield (horses only)
📌 Euroa Saleyard - 58 Sutherland St, Euroa
📌 McCormack Park, 45 McCormacks Rd, Merrijig

Owners are responsible for their animals and will need to stay with their animals. Bring your own feed and extra water in case of power outages.

Relief centres are also available at the following locations:

📌 Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard St, Seymour (small pets welcome).
📌 Tallangatta Memorial Hall, 30 Towong St, Tallangatta (pets are not allowed).
📌 Benalla Relief Centre, Town Hall 82-86 Nunn Street, Benalla
📌 City of Whittlesea Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
📌 Wodonga Exhibition Centre at Wodonga Racecourse, Hamilton Smith Drive, Wodonga
📌 Lilydale Highschool, 26 Hutchinson Street, Lilydale
📌 Cobram Sports Stadium, Apex reserve, Campbell Road, Cobram
📌 Beaufort Community Bank Complex, 39 Park Road, Beaufort
📌 Ouyen Football and Netball Clubrooms, 6 Calder Highway, Ouyen
📌 Horsham Town Hall, Wilson Street, Horsham
📌 Beaufort Community Bank Complex, 39 Park Road, Beaufort

More information 👉 emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

If you have urgent animal welfare needs, please call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.