HEALDSBURG, CA - On June 5, 2023, the Healdsburg City Council unanimously adopted a Policy for the Humane Treatment of Animals in Grazing Operations for Fire Prevention. The humane grazing policy is the first of its kind in Sonoma County. The grazing policy was designed to prioritize the humane treatment and welfare of grazing animals; “This policy demonstrates the City of Healdsburg's commitment to the humane treatment of animals and our dedication to a sustainable and effective approach to fire management,” said Healdsburg Fire Marshal/Division Chief Lance Macdonald. The City of Healdsburg incorporates vegetation management as part of its fire prevention strategy. In 2021, the City was awarded over $900,000 in grants from the California Coastal Conservancy to address wildfire risks through fuels management and the creation of defensible space. A key component of this ongoing work is leveraging the natural grazing capabilities of animals to mitigate the risk of wildfires. This policy requires grazing contractors to adhere to a set of guidelines including: - Regular body condition appraisals of all grazing animals by the contractors
- Implementation of a Herd Health Plan designed with the assistance of a licensed veterinarian
- Provision of a well-rounded diet for the animals, including necessary nutrient supplements
- Access to fresh water for livestock at all times
To learn more about fire fuels management and to review the grazing policy, click here. ###
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