PET DESEXING BOOST FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS
Source: SheppNews(Extract)
Posted: March 28, 2022
Councils and not-for-profit organisations will now have state government support to desex thousands of dogs and cats to improve animal welfare outcomes and reduce the number of unwanted pets.
Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced applications for a new round of Pet Desexing Grants were open, funded through the state government’s Animal Welfare Fund.
The announcement by Ms Thomas is timely as Campaspe Shire Council is about to put the “no vacancy” sign out the front of its McKenzie Rd animal shelter facility.
The new grant round includes $500,000 to support local councils and not-for-profit organisations to improve the quality of domestic dog and cat welfare across Victoria by purchasing equipment and expanding free or low-cost pet desexing services.
Microchipping and pet wellness services are among the initiatives included in the funding, but Campaspe Shire Council will also be awaiting an announcement of support to expand the shelter facility at its current location.
Organisations will be aiming to provide a high-volume, low-cost desexing clinic in the region.
There has been a significant increase in demand for new pets and adoptions across Victoria. The proportion of pet-owning households in Australia has increased significantly from 61 per cent to 69 per cent in just over two years.
On average, cats start breeding at four months and can have up to three litters a year. If left un-desexed, one female and her offspring could produce thousands of kittens in just a few years.
Applications have also opened for $471,500 in Equine Rehabilitation Grants to support organisations that rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses to purchase equipment or services and upgrade their facilities.
Mr Thomas said she recognised how important pets were to all Victorians.
“This funding will support councils and not-for-profit organisations to provide crucial desexing services and improve animal welfare outcomes for all,” she said.
In total, almost $1 million is available in round two of the Pet Desexing and Equine Rehabilitation and Rehoming Grants. Applications are open until May 1.
For more information, visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au