The state government has welcomed the final report handed down by the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas released the report on Thursday, January 20.
The taskforce, consisting of Western Victoria MP Andy Meddick (Chair), Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, was appointed in March 2021 to consider how to improve the rehoming of dogs and cats in Victoria, including those used in medical research.
The report has made 17 recommendations to support the welfare of dogs and cats requiring rehoming, including improvements to the regulatory framework for rehoming pets.
The report recommends increased transparency in the movement of animals, better reporting of data and further grants to support the pet rehoming sector.
“We are pleased to work with the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets to ensure there are successful animal welfare outcomes at every step of the rehoming process,” Ms Thomas said.
The report’s 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.
The state 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, details: agriculture.vic.gov.au
