With many Victorians welcoming a pet into their family over the festive season and demand for rehoming services high, the Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more pets get the loving homes they deserve.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas today welcomed the final report handed down by the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets, comprising Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick (Chair), Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas.
The Taskforce was appointed in March last year to consider how to improve the rehoming of dogs and cats in Victoria, including those used in medical research.
The report makes 17 recommendations to support the welfare of dogs and cats requiring rehoming, including improvements to the regulatory framework for rehoming pets. The report recommends increased transparency in the movement of animals, better reporting of data and further grants to support the pet rehoming sector.
The recommendations are the result of extensive community and stakeholder consultation. Between May and October last year the Taskforce conducted a number of activities, including site visits, roundtables and public webinars.
The Taskforce heard from a wide range of industry and community stakeholders, including foster care networks and rescue groups, shelter and pound operators, veterinarians and veterinary staff, councils, animal welfare stakeholders, and the general public.
The Labor Government will now consider the Taskforce’s recommendations to inform future reforms as part of its animal care and protection agenda. The Taskforce on Rehoming Pets report can be found online at agriculture.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
“We are pleased to work with the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets to ensure there are successful animal welfare outcomes at every step of the rehoming process.”
As stated by Taskforce Chair and Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick
“I’m proud to lead this taskforce and thank everyone who contributed to the recommendations. Together, we’ve formulated recommendations that will give our cats and dogs the best chance of survival, and a good life. I look forward to seeing this advice informing future policy decisions.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Pets are an important part of many Victorians’ lives and this report provides clear guidance on how to ensure our animals are well cared for on their journey to loving homes.”
As stated by Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas
“The recommendations are a culmination of extensive consultation and engagement that reflect the needs of our community and stakeholders. These recommendations will improve the welfare and survival rate of animals that require rehoming.”
