Council and SARG join forces to boost responsible pet ownership
Published on 10 July 2017
Pet owners will be encouraged to register, de-sex, microchip, vaccinate and worm their cats and dogs as part of a new program being rolled out across the Sunraysia region.
Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group (SARG) and Mildura Rural City Council have joined forces to encourage responsible pet ownership and ultimately reduce the number of animals euthanised at the Mildura Animal Shelter.
Thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Victorian State Government’s Animal Welfare Fund, SARG and Council will produce and distribute up to 300 Responsible Pet Owner packs. Each pack will contain a $100 voucher to use for veterinary services as well as a range of responsible pet ownership information and products. A public awareness campaign about responsible pet ownership will also be implemented.
SARG President Trudie Chant welcomed the State Government funding, explaining it would help the organisation continue its efforts to reduce the number of unwanted animals that end up in the Mildura Animal Shelter.
In 2016, 352 cats and 938 dogs were reclaimed or rehoused from the Mildura Animal Shelter. However 274 cats and 121 dogs had to be euthanised.
“Whilst these are among the highest rehousing rates in Victoria, much more can and needs to be done, particularly through community education and access to veterinary services for things like desexing and microchipping,” Ms Chant said.
“SARG and Council have a great track record of working together to address animal welfare and pet ownership issues in our community. We’re excited our partnership will continue through this initiative.”
Councillor Simon Clemence echoed Ms Chant’s sentiments, saying the program would enable Council to educate the community while also enforcing animal laws.
“Pet ownership brings many joys, but it also comes with many responsibilities,” Cr Clemence said.
“Not only do you have to care for and keep your pet safe; by law all cats and dogs over the age of three months must be microchipped and registered with Council.”
“We are very proud of the results we’ve achieved by working in partnership with SARG in the past and have no doubt this initiative will be just as successful.”