NFCC and BARTA renew partnership to strengthen animal rescue standards

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its partnership with the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA), signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce their shared focus on animal welfare, public safety and firefighter safety during incidents involving animals.

The agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration, first established in 2012. Under the MoU, NFCC and BARTA will continue to work together to develop consistent standards, share expertise and promote training opportunities across the fire and rescue sector.

“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.”

Steve Buchanan-Lee, National Fire Chiefs Council Animal Rescue Lead.

The renewed partnership aims to embed animal welfare more firmly into emergency response planning. This includes sharing operational learning and best practice nationally, and giving services access to specialist knowledge through NFCC’s Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum (ARPF).

Through the ARPF, fire and rescue services can contribute to national learning, join working groups, and access resources developed in collaboration with BARTA. The forum also brings in input from BARTA staff and key stakeholders such as the RSPCA, supporting a coordinated, sector-wide approach to animal rescue.

“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.”

Jim Green, Director of BARTA.

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