RSPCA Victoria welcomes increased funding for animal welfare in today's Victorian Budget 2020/21.
The budget announced today includes increased funding for the state-wide animal protection and enforcement services performed by RSPCA Victoria's Inspectorate.
Dr Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria, said the budget funding will help improve animal welfare across the state and reflects the importance of animal welfare within the community.
"We're grateful to the Victorian Government for increasing funding for animal welfare. The funds will help RSPCA Victoria continue protecting and caring for Victoria's animals through the vital work of our Inspectorate, which responds to over 10,000 cruelty reports each year, prosecutes the majority of animal cruelty cases in Victoria and plays a key role in compliance education to prevent cruelty," said Dr Walker.
"The budget also includes funding for other animal welfare initiatives which RSPCA Victoria looks forward to accessing, including funds for programs to rehome domestic pets and horses, and support for low-cost desexing of cats and dogs for vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians.
"This budget demonstrates a real commitment to supporting and improving animal welfare in Victoria.
"We know that animals are central to people's lives and their wellbeing. This government funding will help us support people and their animals - this is more important than ever as we recover from the effects of COVID-19."
