More pets are getting a loving home thanks to a final report handed down by the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets.
Demand for rehoming services has increased with many Victorians welcoming a pet into their family over the festive season.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the new report, comprising Narre Warren South Member Gary Maas, Bendigo West Member Maree Edwards and Western Victoria Member Andy Meddick.
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 increased transparency in the movement of animals, better reporting of data and further grants to support the pet rehoming sector.
Narre Warren South Member Gary Maas said the report’s recommendations will improve the welfare and survival rate of animals that require rehoming.
“The recommendations are a culmination of extensive consultation and engagement that reflect the needs of our community and stakeholders,” Mr Maas said.
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.
Taskforce chair and Western Victoria Member Andy Meddick said he was proud to lead this taskforce and thanked 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,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing this advice informing future policy decisions.”
The Victorian 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
