- Six Western Australian animal rescue shelters to share in $800,000 funding increase
- McGowan Government expanding the Animal Welfare Grant Program with additional $1.2 million in funding
The McGowan Government will deliver an $800,000 funding boost over four years to six vital animal rescue shelters to support their work protecting and rehoming Western Australian pets.
The State Government currently provides $200,000 per year across six animal shelters that care for, rescue, sterilise and arrange for the adoption of cats and dogs. The major funding boost announced today lifts this amount to an annual funding amount of $400,000 for the next four years.
The organisations that will share in the increased funding are:
- K9 Rescue Group - $25,000, up from $12,500;
- Dogs' Refuge Home (WA) - $150,000, up from $75,000;
- Cat Welfare Society Inc. - $150,000, up from $75,000;
- Saving Animals From Euthanasia - SAFE - $25,000, up from $12,500;
- Swan Animal Haven - $25,000, up from $12,500; and
- Animal Protection Society of Western Australia Inc. - $25,000, up from $12,500
An additional $1.2 million ($600,000 per year) has also been allocated to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in 2023-24 and 2024-25 to expand the Animal Welfare Grant Program.
The grant program supports a range of not-for-profit projects, including fostering and rehoming of companion animals, rehabilitating wildlife and providing low-cost animal health or veterinary care for the animals of disadvantaged people.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Pets are valued members of many families in Western Australian, including mine, and animal welfare shelters provide a vital service.
"My Government is proud to be able to deliver this major boost in financial support for these organisations, which do an incredible job in protecting, caring for and rehoming surrendered and rescued animals.
"I want to acknowledge the many volunteers who generously devote their time to animal welfare and ensuring that vulnerable pets are given the chance to find their forever homes."
As stated by Local Government Minister John Carey:
"Since the COVID-19 pandemic, animal welfare shelters have faced increased demand for their services in recent years, and our Government continues to support the important role they play in caring for surrendered and rescued animals.
"Cats and dogs are important members of many Western Australian families - which is why the McGowan Government is providing further support to these six animal rescue shelters.
"These animal shelters are often run by dedicated, hard-working volunteers who provide vital care and assist many vulnerable cats and dogs in finding their new homes."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The additional $1.2 million funding brings the total amount for the Animal Welfare Grant Program to $2.2 million for 2023-24 and 2024-25 combined.
"This is a significant funding boost for the Animal Welfare Grant Program, which provides support to wildlife and companion animal care providers including shelters, rescue groups, rehabilitation centres and foster care networks, along with veterinary clinics, university and local governments that provide low-cost or free services such as desexing and microchipping.
"I would like to commend the work being done and the services being provided by these organisations, many of which are underpinned by dedicated volunteers, in keeping our animals safe and healthy."
