Armidale Regional Council rangers say they have worked very closely with the community lately, and given the exceptional circumstances brought on by the local bushfire conditions, they now have a sizeable collection of animals, both pets of fire evacuees and strays, in the Armidale and Guyra shelters.
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Council team leader Ranger Services Ian Chetcuti said his team had been ferrying animals to the shelters from anyone who brought them into the evacuation centre at the Guyra Showground.
"While the families have been in the evacuation centres we've been looking after them," he said.
"It's been hard, but it has been very rewarding.
"The ranger's team have been fantastic, from our people on the ground, right through to our shelter managers."
Armidale shelter is home to 23 cats and eight dogs.
"In our shelter at Guyra we have six cats and four dogs," Ian said.
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"We had six horses at Guyra until late yesterday afternoon when the owned came and took two back to the farm when it was safe. So, we've got four still up there in the showground.
"So, no livestock yet, bar the horses."
Ian said it was not something council usually did.
"But during these tough times the person on the land has enough issues now with the drought, and with the fires on top of that it's certainly very difficult times," he said.
"We're here to assist the community so we've made a concerted effort to get out there and assist where we can.
"We work closely with the RSPCA and they're flat out as well. They're not just caring for animals, but have a lot of stray and adopted animals from our shelter to rehouse."
