Following the announcement of the Stage 4 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne, in place from 6pm on Sunday 2nd August, and Stage 3 'Stay at Home' restrictions for Regional Victoria including Mitchell Shire, in place from 11:59 on Wednesday 5th August, RSPCA Victoria can confirm travel related to caring for animals is allowed.
People must continue to provide proper care for their animals during the COVID-19 stage 3 and 4 outlined restriction period and where necessary, traveling further than 5km is permitted. This includes caring for animals on agistment properties and arranging veterinary care when required.
In metropolitan Melbourne, where possible travel to provide care for animals or access veterinary care should be limited to between 5am and 8pm. However, where necessary for emergency care, travel during the curfew hours is allowed.
RSPCA Victoria understands that many animal owners may be feeling anxious about their ability to care for their animals and is assuring Victorians that caring for animals is a priority and that people can continue to provide care for their animals where travel is required.
RSPCA Victoria is also reminding Victorians who are travelling in relation to caring for animals to stay safe and abide by the rules. This includes wearing a face mask when not in the car, social distancing when visiting agistment properties or veterinary clinics and practising good hygiene such as washing and sanitising hands before and after handling animals and their equipment, bedding or food.
At all times, including during COVID-19 restrictions, owners must ensure that they continue to provide all the necessities for their animals to ensure they live happy fulfilled lives. This includes enough food, water and shelter and veterinary care, along with specialised care for horses such as farriery work, dentistry and appropriate rug wear.
People who agist their horses and livestock must also continue to visit and check on them regularly to provide proper care, and people who own or operate agistment facilities must continue to treat and care for the animals on the property and maintain the facility."
RSPCA Victoria encourages Victorians to check Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services website for additional details.
Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of an animal is encouraged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria's Inspectorate.
All reports made to RSPCA Victoria's Inspectorate must be lodged via the RSPCA Victoria website or by calling 9224 2222. Facebook messages and emails through unofficial channels do not constitute an official cruelty report.
