RSPCA Victoria has launched a pioneering new initiative called Latrobe Loves Pets in Morwell today with the aim of supporting the local community to improve animal welfare.
Latrobe Loves Pets provides Latrobe pet owners with on-the-ground support and advice together with emergency food supplies, shelter, vet care assistance and education.
RSPCA Victoria's CEO Dr Liz Walker says the project is unique in that it focuses on proactively supporting and investing in good animal care within a local community.
"We know people love their pets - and pets make people's lives better - but we also know that sometimes it can be hard to look after them in the way you'd like, perhaps because of money, transport issues or a lack of local information. With this project we're saying: don't be shy, if you need a hand, come and talk to us. We're here to help," she said.
RSPCA Victoria is working with local vets, schools and community organisations to provide:
• A Community Liaison Officer based in the Traralgon child and maternal health centre who can provide advice and referrals for services - call 1300 020 040 during business hours
• Vet vouchers for microchipping, health checks, desexing and more
• A 12-month humane education program focusing on building animal empathy and respect delivered to students at Morwell Park Primary School
• Youth ambassador programs
• Animal welfare programs delivered in conjunction with drug, alcohol and social services
• Pet food, worming and flea treatments, kennels and other pet supplies.
"Anyone in the Latrobe City region can use the services in this program to learn more about the needs of their pets and to get assistance when necessary," said Dr Walker.
RSPCA Victoria selected Latrobe City for several reasons - and one of the key factors was how willing citizens were to listen to advice about good pet care and act on it wherever possible.
"There's real appetite for improving animal welfare in Latrobe City and RSPCA Victoria is keen to work with the community to achieve it."
In order to promote the initiative RSPCA Victoria worked with local advertising agency, The View from Here, to develop the Latrobe Loves Pets campaign. The quirky campaign shows a variety of local people with their pets, such as Vilani and her dog Naba from Moe, Leigh and his dog Jax from Traralgon and Peter and his horse Kerry from Flynn's Creek.
The project will launch with a TV ad that will run on local stations from today.
Support from RSPCA Victoria can be accessed by Latrobe City residents on 1300 020 040 or www.latrobelovespets.com.au.
