They’re the four-legged refugees nobody talks about..Considering there are twice as many cattle in Alberta than people — almost five million at last count — there could be an equal or greater number of displaced dogies, considering there are nearly 20,000 evacuees..That’s why Alberta’s livestock producers are ramping up efforts to evacuate tens of thousands of the farm animals from the wildfires raging through the northern part of the province. .According to the Alberta Beef Producers, livestock producers are implementing emergency plans in fire areas to either evacuate their head or move them to safety. The commission has published a map on its web site of agricultural societies, auction markets and even rodeo grounds that may have facilities capable of providing shelter.. Cow refugesGoogle map showing locations of animal refuge centres. .In addition, there are 156 feedlots in Alberta, most of which can hold 20,000 head or more. .In an interview, Dubeau said there’s a lot of concern in his organization, not just for the welfare of the animals. but also for the families and neighbours of producers themselves..“We’re in calving season right now and there are some large operations out there, the logistics can be quite challenging,” he said. “Our producers are dedicated to their livestock.”.Dubeau said he doesn’t have any numbers of how many animals might be impacted, but suggested the province is home to about 16,000 registered producers. .Like evacuations of people, it can be a complicated and somewhat delicate process to move them to safety. Animals can be trucked in ‘liners’ pulled by semi trucks or “trailed” — herded to safety on foot — according to Brad Dubeau, ABP general manager. .Or they can simply be set loose. After the BC fires in 2021, industry associations estimated there were 35,000 animals roaming free.. Farmer near Abbotsford tries to rescue one of his cowsCourtesy CBC .Actual losses from wildfires are harder to come by. According to a Humane Society report, it suggested 78,000 animals — most of them chickens — died in barn fires over a five-year period from 2015-19. However, only Ontario and Quebec keep official statistics..On the bright side, cow-calf operations tend to be concentrated in open pasture areas as opposed to forested regions bearing the brunt of the fires. The spaces tend to be wider and more open. In addition to fire, the animals can also be impacted by smoke..Nonetheless, Dubeau said it’s important for producers to keep in contact with the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) which provides insurance for losses. In its most recent fire update on May 10, the AFSC notes its programs cover various losses ranging from pasture, silage crops, hay, and lending supports in addition to the animals themselves. .In 2021 the AFSC — through the governments of Alberta and Canada — provided $304 million in drought relief..The ABP website (www.abpdaily.com) also offers a variety of resources, including a shelter map and contacts for various government and industry associations — including mental health supports — to get through a challenging time. .Dubeau notes each individual emergency response plan is unique to each individual situation — no one size fits all — but it’s important to have one..“A plan is unique to every operation… individuals have different ways of handling that,” he said. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed, but it’s challenging.”
