- More than $1 million in grants awarded to 34 projects across Western Australia to help pets and rescued wildlife
- Funding to support free nation-wide Animal Poisons Helpline, based in Perth
The Cook Government has announced more than $1 million for 34 community-based projects that will better support pet owners, their companions, and rescued wildlife.
The ‘Animal Welfare Grant Program’ helps to fund a range of not-for profit initiatives, that foster or rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and provide low-cost veterinary services to those facing hardship.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
A $50,000 grant has been awarded to the Animal Poisons Helpline, a registered animal welfare charity that provides free phone advice to pet owners whose animal may have eaten or come into contact with a toxic substance.
The helpline’s expert team offers rapid risk assessments for a range of toxin exposures, and determines whether an animal immediately needs to go to a vet or is safe to be observed at home.
Based in Perth, the nation-wide Animal Poisons Helpline currently assists approximately 1,000 pet owners and their pets each month.
Other successful projects in the Perth metro area include the construction of two large aviaries in Martin, for rehabilitation of the threatened black cockatoo species, rehoming of cats, and veterinary support for pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness.
Regional projects range from providing free veterinary services for pets at a remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberley, to a new enclosure to rehabilitate threatened wildlife species in the Great Southern.
In the Wheatbelt, a barrier fence will be constructed at Moorine Rock, to protect injured wildlife – including joeys and birds during recovery. While in the Avon Valley region, a 12-month veterinary care program, will be available for pet owners facing hardship.
More information on the initiatives is available at agric.wa.gov.au/animal-welfare-grant-program
The Animal Poisons Helpline can be contacted on 1300 869 738 or view their website at: animalpoisons.com.au.
“For many people their pets are like family members, and our Animal Welfare Grant Program will help provide better care for your companions, as well as Western Australia’s iconic wildlife.
“The Cook Government is proud to support these not-for-profit projects, and the people behind them, who are dedicated to improving outcomes for animals.
“A number of these initiatives will help with the cost of living by providing much needed free or subsidised veterinary services to help vulnerable people and their pets.”
