Victoria - Government Sets Up Animal Welfare Fund

[Aphra]

I'm fairly sure this fund was part of the new animal welfare legislation (including restricted breed legislation) which was rushed through Victorian Parliament last year.

In this context illegal puppy farms are those commercial dog breeders who haven't registered as a domestic animal business, so it's really about economics and not dog welfare. The radio snippet I heard was to the effect that since anticipating the income from "illegal" puppy farms was difficult, the government guaranteed $400,000, with an expectation that the fund would be worth around 1.3 million if enough people were fined.

Given that the Government could afford a $100,000 to fund a "dob in a dog" hotline, it's not exactly generous of them.

<sarcasm on> I assume that the money will go to the RSPCA and the Lost Dogs Home. Clearly they would love to rehome so many more animals than they do, but struggle so hard for funds, this will make a huge difference to their kill rates.</off>

Government sets up animal welfare fund Posted August 09, 2012 12:50:11

Fines from illegal puppy farms will help fund a new animal welfare program to care for neglected pets.

The State Government is committing $1.6 million to the fund to help animal shelters and welfare agencies rescue abandoned animals.

Treasurer Kim Wells says the proceeds from penalties and seizures of illegal puppy farms is unpredictable, but the Government is guaranteeing $400,000 each year, for four years.

"Under the Minister for Agriculture's authority we've been able to increase fines, increase inspections and have a situation now where we're able to be on top of the illegal puppy farms and we think that's a good move," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-09/government-sets-up-animal-welfare-fund/4188040?section=vic

[tdierikx]

Does nothing to stop the "legal" puppy farms though, does it? Those really large commercial enterprises that seem to be thriving no matter what...

T.

[Aphra]

I was cynical too soon.

There are two sets of grants (big ones and small ones) open to animal welfare organisations.

Animal Welfare Fund – Grants Program

The Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, on behalf of the Government, is offering financial support to non-government, not-for-profit organisations that improve the welfare of animals. These include animal shelters, organisations promoting responsible animal ownership education, community cat or dog foster care networks, and groups that provide relief facilities and services during an emergency.

The $1.6 million Animal Welfare Fund has been developed in recognition of the excellent companion animal welfare services which are being delivered across Victoria by many not-for-profit organisations. These grants recognise that companion animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians.

Projects will be considered for funding which will provide new infrastructure, education programs and emergency animal relief activities within Victoria to benefit the welfare of domestic animals, as defined in the Domestic Animals Act 1994, i.e. dogs, cats, recreational horses and pet shop animals - rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, reptiles, caged birds or any other animal prescribed by the legislation.

Applications for grant funding in 2012/2013 will open on 1 September 2012, and close 30 September 2012:

1. Community education programs on responsible ownership of companion animals;
2. Animal relief services and use of facilities to the community during an emergency; and
3. Improvement in the rates of reuniting pets to their owners and re-homing of pets.

The small grants program from the Animal Welfare Fund is designed to provide up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) to not-for-profit organisations for small projects that benefit the welfare of companion animals.

The large grants program will provide grants from $10,001 up to $50,000 (GST inclusive) to not-for-profit organisations for projects that benefit the welfare of companion animals.

Frequently asked questions, including application information

Apply online for small and large grants (applications open 1 September 2012)

http://www.dpi.vic.g...-grants-program