The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more pets get the loving homes they deserve with a new taskforce dedicated to rehoming animals.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas was at Lort Smith Animal Hospital today to announce the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets, comprising Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick (Chair), Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Member for Narre Warren SouthGary Maas.
The taskforce will provide recommendations to the Labor Government on how to improve and better support the rehoming of pets in Victoria, including research animals.
It will recommend regulatory options to improve the welfare and survival rates of dogs and cats that need rehoming, and establish ways to make the movement of animals between shelters, pounds and rescue groups more transparent.
Working with industry and community stakeholders, the taskforce will ensure a range of perspectives are considered and will provide its final report and recommendations to the Government by the end of this year.
The taskforce is just one way the Government is working to ensure that Victorian pets are well cared for on the journey to their forever homes.
Minister Thomas congratulated the Lort Smith Animal Hospital on being awarded a $50,000 Animal Welfare Fund grantto grow its services.
Lort Smith is one of 15 recipients of funding under the ninth round of the fund, with money to go towards the development of an animal adoption centre in a soon-to-be completed clinic in Campbellfield.
Round nine of the Animal Welfare Fund program supports not-for-profit animal shelters and foster care organisations to rehome animals, as well as community vet clinics to establish or expand their services in areas of need throughout Victoria. For more information, visit .
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
“Hard data and facts will guide our ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of domestic animals that need to find a new home – the establishment of this taskforce is an important part of this process.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick
“I’m proud to lead the taskforce that will provide advice to the government on how to improve the welfare and survival rates of animals that require rehoming.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Pets are an important part of many Victorians’ lives. This taskforce is another step towards ensuring our animals are well cared for on their journey to loving homes.”
Quote attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas
“The taskforce will support the valuable work of rescue and foster care groups to ensure successful animal welfare outcomes at every step of the rehoming process.”
Reviewed 30 March 2021