The McGowan Government today announced $500,000 for 16 community-based projects to promote the wellbeing of companion animals and rescued wildlife.
‘Spraying it Forward’ is one of several projects that will offer subsidised desexing and microchipping of cats and dogs to concession card holders or families in need.
The funding will also support a pilot project offering low-cost veterinary services to vulnerable pet owners, a carer support package for abandoned pet rabbits, and fund new ICU incubators and diagnostic equipment for wildlife rehabilitation.
Successful regional projects include a nursery in the Great Southern to help kangaroo and possum joeys transition to release, a program offering free desexing and veterinary care to animals in remote communities in the West Kimberley, and Wheatbelt-based facilities to provide safe, temporary accommodation for animals whose carers are escaping domestic violence.
This first round of funding is part of the Government’s $2 million Animal Welfare Grant Program to run over four years.
The second round of grants under the program is now open, with grants of up to $50,000 available from a total funding pool of $500,000.
For more information on the program, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s website https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/animal-welfare-grant-program
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Western Australians rate the welfare and care of animals as a priority.
“Not-for-profit and community organisations play a big role in maintaining the welfare of companion and native animals.
“There has been a high level of demand for these animal welfare grants across metropolitan and regional parts of the State, highlighting the need for services which protect and care for vulnerable animals.
“Grants under the second round of the Animal Welfare Grant Program are now available and we encourage eligible groups to apply.”
Animal Welfare Grant Program – Round 1 funding recipients
| Organisation | Project description | Region | Funding |
| Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary | Construction of a purpose-built enclosure to use as a nursey for joeys (kangaroos and possums) to ensure smooth transition to release, which can also be used as a first aid and rehabilitation pen for injured wildlife. | Great Southern | $4,868 |
| Bluebush Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation | Construction of an enclosure for rehabilitation of raptors prior to release. | Wheatbelt | $19,290 |
| Bridgetown Wildlife Rescue Incorporated | Purchase of veterinary equipment and construction of purpose-built enclosures of wildlife rehabilitation. | South-West | $19,781 |
| Cat Welfare Society Inc t/as Cat Haven | A free desexing program (220 cats) targeting lower socio-economic areas of Perth. | Metro, Peel | $33,000 |
| Deedlebug Cat Rescue Incorporated | A project offering subsidised desexing and assistance with boarding costs for cats of families experiencing domestic violence and housing insecurity. | Metro | $42,026 |
| Dogs Behind Bars Rescue Inc | A program that places dogs with behavioural issues into correctional and rehabilitation facilities, and conducts weekly training sessions to allow the dogs to transition into a foster home or be adopted. | Metro | $50,000 |
| Native Animal Rescue Inc | Purchase of ICU incubators and diagnostic equipment for wildlife rehabilitation to build hospital capacity. | Metro | $17,374 |
| Nullakai Vet Services | Construction of infrastructure and purchase of veterinary equipment to provide free wildlife veterinary services to local carers. | Great Southern | $50,000 |
| Pets of Older Persons (POOPS) WA Inc | Extension of a pilot program that offers low-cost veterinary services for pets in the POOPS WA program. | Metro, Peel, South-West | $30,000 |
| Possum Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc | Construction of a vermin-proof fence and purchase of monitoring equipment associated with rehabilitating possums, including the Western Ringtail Possum. | South-West | $36,000 |
| Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue Inc | Assistance with veterinary expenses and foster carer support packages for rabbits that have been abandoned, surrendered and/or rescued by the community. | Metro | $29,500 |
| Shire of Derby-West Kimberley | A program that offers free desexing, preventative health care and veterinary attention to animals in 54 remote communities in the West Kimberley. | Kimberley | $50,000 |
| Shire of Halls Creek | Transportation of impounded dogs that would otherwise by euthanised from Halls Creek to Broome, to be later rehomed in Perth. | Kimberley | $9,339 |
| Souls and Stars Sanctuary Incorporated | Construction of facilities to provide safe temporary accommodation, food and veterinary care for animals whose carers wish to escape, or have escaped, domestic and family violence. | Wheatbelt | $50,000 |
| West Australian Pet Project Inc | A program that offers subsidised desexing and microchipping of between 400 to 600 cats and dogs to WA residents over 18 years old that are concession card holders. | Metro | $50,000 |
| Western Australian Seabird Rescue Inc | Purchase of equipment and medical supplies for rehabilitating seabirds, and assistance with veterinary expenses. | Metro, Peel, South-West | $8,830 |
