- Critical support for animal rescue groups continued
- More than 10,000 cats and dogs rescued
- Domestic dogs must be microchipped by November 1, 2015
The State Government will continue funding companion animal shelters for a further two years to support the rescue, care and shelter of neglected and abandoned companion animals.
Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said the companion animal shelters provided a valuable service, saving hundreds of neglected cats and dogs each year.
"Regrettably, cats and dogs are continuing to be abandoned in the community and the shelters are doing terrific work rescuing, rehousing and sterilising the animals," Mr Simpson said.
Since the funding was provided in 2012-13, 10,574 cats and dogs have been rescued, 10,404 cats and dogs have been rehomed and 10,220 cats and dogs have been sterilised.
"Taking more than 10,000 cats and dogs off the street and providing them the caring environment domestic pets deserve is an outstanding result. The funding ensures the animals are being cared for, they're not roaming communities threatening wildlife, and the animals are being sterilised so the problem of stray animals is not exacerbated," the Minister said.
Mr Simpson said the Liberal National Government had introduced the Cat Act 2011 and amended the Dog Act 1976 to encourage responsible ownership of the domestic pets.
The Cat Act requires all cats to be microchipped and registered with the owner's local government, and sterilised unless the owner is an approved breeder. The Dog Act was amended in 2013, and provides mandatory microchipping for domestic dogs as well as a range of other measures to improve community safety.
Microchipping of all dogs is compulsory from November 1 this year.
"When we amended the Dog Act, we provided sufficient time for owners to meet their obligations and time is now running out to meet this important requirement," the Minister said.
"The introduction of the Cat Act is not only an important measure for the control of cats, but it offers improved protection of threatened species."
Fact File
Minister's office - 6552 6600
The following organisations will receive the below allocations in 2016-17 and 2017-18:
Cat Haven, Shenton Park ($75,000)
Dog's Refuge Home, Shenton Park ($75,000)
Animal Protection Society, Southern River ($12,500)
Swan Animal Haven, South Guildford ($12,500)
K9 Rescue Group, Nambeelup ($12,500)
SAFE Animal Shelter (State-wide) ($12,500)
