Wednesday, 21 November 2018

More dogs will be given new homes and loving families across Gippsland, with a re-elected Andrews Labor Government to deliver a massive boost to dog shelters and foster carers.

The Andrews Labor Government banned cruel puppy farms and gave renters the right to keep a pet with landmark rental reform laws – but there is more to do.

Only Labor will invest in saving dogs that are in trouble and finding them new homes.

Labor will deliver a $3 million boost to Animal Welfare Grants, including $1 million for shelters and foster carers that connect dogs with their future families.

To make sure that animals get the care they deserve, Labor will invest $2 million to upgrade and expand not-for-profit community vet clinics in areas of greatest need.

Services like the RSPCA and Lort Smith Animal Hospital provide a fantastic service to Victorian pet owners and these grants will give them the opportunity to expand and extend their operations.

The Greyhound Adoption Program will receive $150,000 for a new pilot program, adopting out greyhounds to ten Victorian nursing homes – providing a safe and loving home for greyhounds and companionship for residents. Labor will also invest $50,000 to refurbish the Greyhound Adoption Program’s adoption centre in Seymour.

The Greyhound Adoption Program is Victoria’s most well-known greyhound adoption initiative, rehabilitating retired racing greyhounds to become pets and matching them with new owners. This funding will help the organisation upgrade its facilities and continue its important work.

The Liberals tried to block laws banning cruel puppy farms and have already flagged their intentions to wind back these laws if elected. Only Labor will help more dogs find homes with loving families and make sure cruel puppy farming never returns to Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“Every dog deserves a loving home – that’s why we’ll invest in the shelters and foster carers right across Gippsland that help to connect dogs with their future families.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing

“The unconditional joy and friendship we get from our dogs deserves a safe, loving and healthy environment in return – from banning puppy farms to rehoming greyhounds and making it easier to responsibly own a dog, we’re working hard to get more tails wagging all over Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Candidate for Morwell Mark Richards

“We’ve already banned puppy farms but the Liberals tried to block these laws and would bring this cruel practice back if they were given the chance.”