Animal rescue teams deployed to Nelson to help with fire relief

The Ministry for Primary Industries has put a call out for help to rescue animals in the Nelson fires, and several volunteer teams have responded.

Animal Evac New Zealand, Wellington SPCA National Rescue Unit and Massey University Veterinary Emergency response team are all on their way to Nelson to aid MPI in animal rescues.

MPI National co-ordinator Wayne Ricketts feared the worst for wildlife caught up in the blaze.

“I think we’re going to have burnt animals and that’s a hard reality.”

An MPI spokesperson confirmed around 80 sheep were put down due to being severely burnt.

“I feel sad that animals have got burnt,” said Wayne.

Animal Evac New Zealand co-founder Steve Glassey said, “it’s a sensible move from MPI that animals are being made a priority and that these special resources are being moved in.”

The rescue teams will touch down in Nelson, then team up with MPI to discuss the best plan going forward.

By Abbey Wakefield