Animal welfare groups claim that plans to strengthen Victoria’s pet rehoming industry will improve the lives of thousands of cats and dogs.
A taskforce led by Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick offered 17 proposals to the government, which might lead to a mandated rehoming policy for appropriate cats and dogs used in research and education.
A review of regulations was also approved, with an emphasis on a retirement age for those animals.
The panel also advocated for safeguards to reduce the practice of euthanasia in animals with treatable or manageable health problems.
The suggestions are intended to set standardized standards of care for rehoming, according to the Australian Animal Protection Society, a Melbourne-based animal rights organization.
This group also seeks more stringent controls.
‘I would love to see people have a licence to own a pet,’ the society’s general manager Megan Seccull said.
‘If you have to go through some sort of education program to understand exactly what’s involved in having a pet, that will then cut out impulse buying.’
The inquiry received submissions from the RSPCA Victoria, which resulted in a number of recommendations in the report.
‘As a socially conscious shelter, RSPCA Victoria believes transparency, including animal fate data reporting, collaboration and continuous improvement of standards are vital to ensure all animals are treated humanely,’ chief executive Liz Walker said.
‘RSPCA Victoria supports the regulation of rehoming groups to help ensure all animal care organisations are transparent and adhere to the same standards.’
The contribution was also appreciated by the Lost Dogs Home, which rehomed 4,758 canines last year.
A spokeswoman said there is still much to be done with the help of funders, supportive and motivated personnel, and volunteers.
Animal welfare projects received $18.6 million in last month’s budget.