THE RSPCA is backing a call for improved animal disaster relief in the aftermath of the state's bushfires.
Rural award winner and Southern Midlands farmer Gabbi Bresnehan said yesterday that she had spent the past week organising and delivering feed for the many animals - from cattle to pet guinea pigs - affected by the fires.
Ms Bresnehan said some animals in fire-affected areas in the South had been without food for days, so a statewide review was needed to improve help for animals in future emergencies.
"Every agency that has stepped up needs to be involved," she said.
"We need to ensure that stock that has survived has food and water.
"We have to learn from it and move on and be better prepared for next time."
Ms Bresnehan, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 2010 Tasmanian Rural Women's Award winner, said the animal problem was spread across the Tasman Peninsula and Derwent Valley.
RSPCA state operations co-ordinator Lorraine Hamilton supported the call for an inquiry, because she suspected some animals went without help for days.
Mrs Hamilton said she and another worker stocked their car with animal food, cat boxes and other equipment and drove to the Dunalley evacuation centre on Tuesday after being frustrated the day before when asking for answers about help available for animals.
She said they fed hungry animals, took injured cats to a veterinarian and gave support and advice to worried animal owners.
Hay was sent through to stock affected by fires as early as last Saturday.
