‘Tough time’: Heartbreak as 20,000 livestock, wildlife killed in Victorian bushfires

Victoria continues to battle out-of-control bushfires that have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of animals across the state.

Bushfires have destroyed more than 400,000 hectares of Victoria’s land in the past two weeks, forcing residents to flee their homes as they battle to control the blazes.

The 11 wildfires currently burning across the state are destroying approximately 260 homes and 900 structures.

As conditions ease across the state and residents slowly begin returning to their properties, farmers are suffering the devastating loss of livestock and wildlife.

Tens of thousands of animals died

Nearly 20,000 animals, including sheep and cattle, died in the fires, according to the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF).

A spokesman said it was too early to confirm but around 1,000 farms had been affected by the fires.

That figure is almost certainly expected to rise, University of Melbourne agricultural ecologist Danica Purcell told NewsWire.

“This number is not final and will likely increase as more producers gain access to their farms,” he said.

“These fires scattered flocks of sheep and exposed survivors to smoke inhalation, burns, dehydration and starvation on ash-covered ground.”

The 2026 wildfires harmed more animals than the 2019 and 2020 wildfire seasons; Dr Purcell argued this could be due to below-average rainfall recorded last year.

“6,800 animals were harmed as wider areas of the east burned in Victoria’s 2019-2020 bushfires,” Dr Purcell said.

“According to data from the Bureau of Meteorology, last year’s rainfall was only 60-70 percent of the long-term annual average (~380 mm vs. 550-650 mm).

“The critically dry spring and summer months were well below normal, effectively causing pastures to burn rapidly and delaying recovery.”

As for the death toll of native animals, the figure is much more difficult to determine.

Unfortunately, there is no indication of the number of native animals killed during bushfires because much of the land remains inaccessible.

“We understand the public’s concerns about wildlife impacted by these fires,” said Rodney Vile, wildlife emergency officer at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

“It is too early to understand the full impact of these bushfires on wildlife; the public should follow all advice from emergency services and stay out of the spotlight.”

DEECA encouraged anyone who finds wildlife or roaming animals in bushfire-affected areas to contact authorities.

“Following a fire, injured and uninjured wildlife are expected to be seen moving through and near the fire area,” officials said.

“If you find an injured animal affected by bushfire, report it to DEECA by calling 136 186.”

Fire is not the only danger in summer

It’s not just fires that pose a serious threat to the lives of native animals, livestock and pets during bushfire season.

“Heat stress has an impact on animal welfare and productivity, particularly due to pasture burning and limited shade and fresh water,” Dr Purcell said.

“With large areas of pasture now damaged, animals may be at risk of inadequate feed supply and exposure to ash, dust and smoke.”

Dr Purcell urged producers and volunteers to watch for signs of extreme heat stress which could prevent further deaths and injuries.

“At this time, producers or volunteers who can assist should continue to monitor for behavioral signs of heat stress (rapid breathing with open mouth, restlessness, more standing or staying in the shade behaviors, less eating, drooling, and lethargy),” he said.

“These indicate that the animals are trying to cool down.

“The priority is to keep them hydrated as best as possible with clean water, provide any shade or shelter and supplement feed with hay, silage or grain where pasture has been lost.

“Keep animals away from burned areas until there is no smoke or heat, as hot ash, embers, and dry or scorched earth can cause lameness or injury.”

Prepare for more extreme conditions

RSPCA Victoria head of prevention Rebecca Cook told NewsWire planning for emergencies is an important part of living in Victoria.

“We urge everyone to make sure their pets are included in their Fire Ready plans ahead of what could be a very dangerous fire season this year,” he said.

“An emergency kit containing medications, photos or scans on your phone of important documents such as vaccination certificates, and updated contact information regarding microchips and collars are just a few items to prepare in advance.”

How to support farmers and animals during bushfire season?

It’s easy to feel helpless as bushfires and extreme heat take the lives of livestock and native animals, putting extra pressure on farmers, producers and volunteers.

“Continued heat and current fire conditions are putting extreme pressure on the animals and the producers who care for them,” Dr Purcell said.

He urged people living in regional and metropolitan areas to volunteer with groups that aid recovery. or donate funds and feed to help farmers get back on their feet.

Dr Purcell said the response to the bushfires had been inspiring.

“It was incredible to see how quickly our rural community came together at a time like this,” he said.

“It’s a tough time but Australians have proven to be more resilient.”