Thousands of unwanted and neglected cats and dogs will have a brighter future, following additional investment by the State Government to support animal rescue groups and shelters.
Visiting the Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park, Local Government Minister Tony Simpson today confirmed an extra $800,000 over four years for companion animal shelters, bringing the total investment by the Liberal National Government to $1.6 million.
The funding will help six organisations to rescue, care and shelter abandoned pets and promote responsible pet ownership.
"Animal Shelters in WA provide a tremendous community service, reducing the threat to native wildlife from strays and providing a stable adoption environment for pets," Mr Simpson said.
"Shelters such as the Dogs' Refuge Home provide a caring environment for animals that may have been abused or neglected, ensuring they are micro-chipped, sterilised and vaccinated.
"The Government is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership and the Companion Animal Shelters grants program supports the legislation introduced by this Government to reduce the burden of WA's stray pets."
Since its introduction in 2012-13, the program has resulted in more than 14,000 domestic pets being rescued, 11,600 being rehomed and 11,600 being sterilised.
Treasurer Mike Nahan said the funding would help ease the financial burden on animal shelters.
"This is another example of the Government's support for some of the fantastic work being undertaken by community sector organisations in WA," Dr Nahan said.
Fact File
The Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park rehomes about 1,200 dogs per year
Staff from the shelter travel as far as Broome and Karratha to rescue stray dogs
Companion Animal Shelters grant recipients below
Local Government Minister's office - 6552 6600
Treasurer's office - 6552 5700
Companion Animal Shelters Grants - Recipients
Cat Haven, Shenton Park - $75,000 per year
Dogs' Refuge Home, Shenton Park - $75,000 per year
Animal Protection Society, Southern River - $12,500 per year
Swan Animal Haven, South Guildford - $12,500 per year
K9 Rescue Group, Nambeelup - $12,500 per year
SAFE Animal Shelters - $12,500 per year (across metropolitan and regional WA)
