This Christmas, Western Australians are being urged to ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ and give rescued dogs a second chance by adopting a new household pet.
Pounds and shelter and rescue organisations currently rehome and care for unwanted dogs in WA (dogs that are stray or have been abandoned or surrendered).
It is estimated that rescue and shelter organisations rehome 3,200 dogs a year in WA, while local government pounds rehome 1,200 dogs a year. Unfortunately, not all dogs are rehomed.
The State Government is committed to stop puppy farming and reducing the number of unwanted dogs. This is aimed at ensuring a better life for our companion animals and improving the welfare of all animals.
For more information on State Government funded rescue and shelter organisations in WA and the Stop Puppy Farming project visit https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/stoppuppyfarming
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
“The State Government has made a commitment to Stop Puppy Farming by introducing new policy initiatives that will protect the welfare, safety and health of dogs in Western Australia.
“These initiatives will contribute to a more regulated breeding and retail industry and reduce the number of dogs needing rehoming and suffering neglect due to puppy farms.
“The State Government funds various animal rescue and shelter organisations including the Dogs’ Refuge Home, Animal Protection Society, Swan Animal Haven, K9 Rescue Group and SAFE Animal Shelters across metropolitan and regional WA.
“I encourage Western Australians to give rescued dogs a second chance and consider adoption from local shelters or pet rescue organisations as an alternative to purchasing a dog as a gift this Christmas.
Taking on the ownership of any pet must be a well thought out decision – it is a commitment for life!”
As stated by Maylands MLA Lisa Baker:
“Western Australians have shown their overwhelming support for proposed reforms to crack down on puppy farming.
“We received 4,754 submissions from dog owners, dog breeders and pet rescue organisations following the Stop Puppy Farming consultation that I led in 2018.
“Western Australian families love their dogs and the State Government is committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and the future health, welfare and protection of dogs.”
