Natural disasters including floods, wildfires and extreme weather events cause massive animal welfare crises that require coordinated response from welfare organizations, governments and communities.
Natural disasters expose the vulnerabilities of both wild and domestic animals and the systems we rely on for their welfare. Farm animals in flood zones face drowning, hypothermia and loss of feed and shelter. Wild animals in wildfire zones face thermal burns, smoke inhalation and habitat destruction. Companion animals separated from owners face exposure and starvation. The scale of suffering during major disasters — like the Australian wildfires that affected billions of animals — is difficult to comprehend. Pre-disaster planning, effective rescue coordination, and long-term habitat recovery programs all contribute to reducing both the severity and duration of welfare harm during and after disasters.