Animal welfare training and guidance extended through renewed NFCC BARTA partnership
Iain Hoey
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Animal welfare in incident response planning
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), building on work first established in 2012.
The NFCC said the MoU reaffirms a shared commitment to safeguarding animal welfare, public safety and safe working practices for firefighters at incidents involving animals.
The MoU sets out continued joint work to establish consistent standards, share expertise and promote training opportunities across the fire and rescue sector.
The NFCC and BARTA said the partnership is intended to embed animal welfare within emergency response planning, including sharing operational learning and best practice nationally.
Guidance, training and sector forum
The agreement continues the role of the Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum (ARPF) as a platform for sharing knowledge and supporting the use of evidence-based guidance and training.
Fire and rescue services will be able to contribute to national learning, take part in working groups and access specialist resources developed with BARTA through the ARPF.
The NFCC said the ARPF will also support involvement from BARTA staff and other stakeholders, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
NFCC Animal Rescue Lead Steve Buchanan-Lee said: “Animals of all kinds, including domestic pets, livestock, equine, wildlife, and exotic or zoo species, play an important role in people’s lives and in the wellbeing of our communities.
“Incidents involving animals can be particularly hazardous and emotionally challenging for both owners and emergency responders.
“Our partnership with BARTA, supported by a network of key stakeholders such as the RSPCA, ensures that UK fire and rescue services have access to the specialist knowledge and guidance they need to prepare for and respond to these situations with confidence.
“Together, we are helping to protect local communities while safeguarding the animals in their care.”
BARTA Director Jim Green said: “Key to supporting communities during emergency or disaster is ensuring that animals are fully integrated into planning and response.
“The UK fire and rescue service is already world-renowned for driving standards in animal rescue.
“BARTA continues to build on these foundations, equipping firefighters for their specialist role in managing incidents involving animals by delivering high-quality training, providing multi-agency awareness, developing resources and enabling wider support through a coordinated network of animal welfare and veterinary specialists.
“With increasing financial pressures and evolving prevalence of climate-related emergencies, this partnership and shared commitment to building resilient communities is more relevant than ever.”
The organisations said they will continue working together through the MoU and the ARPF.