Media Releases

The first grants from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Animal Welfare Fund have begun to flow, Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, announced today.
“I am pleased to announce that the Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group has been successful in its application to the Animal Welfare Fund,” Mr Walsh said.
“The organisation, which is based in Elsternwick, but operates in Swan Hill and other rural areas and has received a grant of $35,000 to offer subsidised desexing of companion animals.
“These animals are from both pounds and the wider community and the grant will make them more affordable and able to be rehomed in the community,” Mr Walsh said.
“Swan Hill Pound has been working closely with VicDRG to get animals re-homed and this funding will allow those efforts to expand new ownership of surrendered, impounded and unwanted animals.
Mr Walsh said the $1.6 million fund would provide grants over four years to assist eligible not-for-profit organisations with infrastructure works, programs and activities that improve the welfare of companion animals.
“It is important that we ensure local animals are protected from neglect and abuse,” Mr Walsh said.
“For 11 years Labor failed to answer calls from the community to go further in ensuring companion animals are protected from harm and the Animal Welfare Fund is a major step in rectifying this,” he said.
For more information on providing housing for dogs waiting to go through the vaccination and desexing program please contact VicDRG on rescue@victoriandogrescue.org.au

The Victorian Coalition Government’s new horse welfare code, providing greater guidance on the standard of care expected of owners, takes effect today.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the code would give horse owners, particularly new owners, greater clarity.
“The previous horse welfare code had not been updated since 1988 so this updated code was well overdue,” Mr Walsh said.
The new code includes:
· tips on care and husbandry, feed and water requirements, and fencing and stabling;
· recommendations on the agistment of horses, which is a necessity for many families who live in urban communities;
· a new section on body condition scoring, to give owners an objective method of monitoring the suitability of a horse’s diet and general health; and
· a greater level of guidance regarding horse dental care and ensuring appropriately experienced and capable practitioners provide dental procedures and treatment.
Mr Walsh said the updated code would be an invaluable tool for horse owners. It has been developed following extensive consultation with the equine industry, the government’s Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the RSPCA.
Mr Walsh said the former Labor Government introduced regulations prohibiting the use of electric prodders, twisted bits and electric shock training collars and the new code was now in line with these rules.
“The new modern code also reflects changes in the sector by recognising the use of microchips as an acceptable means of horse identification,” Mr Walsh said.
“We want to make sure every horse owner is on the same page when it comes to the welfare of their animals.”
The new code of practice for horse welfare can be found at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/farming/horses

The Victorian Coalition Government is strengthening horse welfare standards by introducing a new code of practice to provide greater guidance on the standard of care expected of owners.
In Swan Hill today, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said horse owners, particularly new owners, would benefit from greater clarity in the new code.
“The previous code had not been updated since 1988 so these changes are well overdue,” Mr Walsh said.
“Owning a horse and learning to ride is an enjoyable experience for hundreds of thousands of young Victorians and the new code provides valuable recommendations for those young riders and their families.
“The code includes tips on care and husbandry, feed and water requirements, and fencing and stabling, which will assist new horse owners. It also provides recommendations on the agistment of horses, which is a necessity for many families who live in urban communities.”
Mr Walsh said the new code also included a section on body condition scoring, which would give owners an objective method of monitoring the suitability of a horse’s diet and general health.
“A greater level of guidance is also provided regarding horse dental care and ensuring appropriately experienced and capable practitioners provide dental procedures and treatment,” Mr Walsh said.
The updated code will be an invaluable tool for horse owners and has been developed following extensive consultation with the equine industry, the government’s Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the RSPCA.
Mr Walsh said the former government introduced regulations prohibiting use of electric prodders,
twisted bits and electric shock training collars and the new code would be amended to bring it into line with these rules.
“The new modern code also reflects changes in the sector by recognising the use of microchips as an acceptable means of horse identification,” Mr Walsh said.
“We want to make sure every horse owner is on the same page when it comes to welfare.”
Mr Walsh said the new code of practice for horse welfare would be formally tabled during the next sitting of Parliament in August 2012.

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, announced today that wildlife rescuers, shelter operators and foster carers can apply for grants of up to $5,000.
The grants, part of the Victorian Government’s $1.2 million Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program, are available to assist wildlife carers carry out their invaluable work with our native fauna.
“I urge wildlife carers to apply for the grants which will assist in caring for our sick and injured animals,” Mr Walsh said.
“Our wildlife rehabilitators, shelter operators and foster carers are outstandingly dedicated people.
“Most are volunteers who give freely of their time in the preservation of our precious native animals and these grants will assist in covering the cost of veterinary bills, feed, medicine, maintenance of enclosures and even training courses,” Mr Walsh said.
The Victorian Coalition Government has provided a four-year funding package to help cover the costs associated with caring for wildlife.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, said that without the State’s dedicated wildlife shelter operators and wildlife foster carers some of our native wildlife would be left without much-needed support.
The Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program has also provided funding to support vital wildlife emergency response institutions including:
• $27,500 to Phillip Island Nature Park
• $40,000 to Zoos Victoria and
• $2,500 to the Dolphin Research Institute.
Application forms will be posted to all registered organisations and carers in the coming days. Application opened this week and close on Monday 5 March.
To find out more information about the wildlife rehabilitators program, go to www.dse.vic.gov.au or call 12 61 86.

Victorians living in bushfire areas this summer are being urged to plan for their animals in the event of an emergency.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the strong bonds which existed between people and animals could strongly influence decision making during emergencies.
“Tragically, a number of people died during the Black Saturday fires after they delayed their departure because of concern about their animals,” Mr Walsh said.
“The message this summer is clear: have a plan for your animals so that you don’t compromise their safety or your own.”
The call comes as the Victorian Coalition Government launches a new plan to ensure animal welfare is addressed during and after emergencies.
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan was developed in response to a finding in the Bushfire Royal Commission’s final report.
“The commissioners noted there did not appear to be a co-ordinated approach to animal welfare during relief operations,” Mr Walsh said.
“The creation of the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan ensures there are clear lines of responsibility for animals - whether wildlife, stock, or pets – in the event of an emergency like Black Saturday.
The plan encourages animal owners to plan refuge areas, feed and water supplies, relief centres, transport and agistment and consider the need for identification and health records if animals are relocated or evacuated,” Mr Walsh said.
“While owners have a duty of care for their animals, the plan also recognises they may need some support from government in an emergency.
“Apart from clarifying the roles and responsibilities of key agencies and animal welfare groups, the plan creates the role of the state emergency animal welfare co-ordinator to manage the different agencies during large, complex incidents.
The state co-ordinator will liaise with key animal welfare partners including the Department of Sustainability and Environment on wildlife issues, the RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association, Victorian Farmers Federation and animal welfare groups.
A copy of the plan is available from www.dpi.vic.gov.au/emergencyanimalwelfareplan.

The Victorian Coalition Government is calling on the Gillard Government to introduce tougher controls on the sale of puppies for export.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said he had written to his Federal counterpart Joe Ludwig asking him to investigate the practice.

“The sale of unregistered puppies overseas is a lucrative business with thousands exported each year to countries including Singapore, China, and the United States,” Mr Walsh said.

“Last year there were 9303 dogs exported from Australia, 2910 in consignments of four or more.

“Unlike livestock, there are no minimum standards for the export of puppies.

“Although each dog must be inspected by a veterinarian, requirements for the export of dogs and puppies are instead set by the importing country.

“Consistent Australian standards need to be introduced so puppies are microchipped and are of a minimum age and weight before they leave the country,” Mr Walsh said.

The move comes as the Victorian Coalition Government introduces legislation into the Victorian Parliament today to crack down on rogue puppy farm operators.

“We are changing the legislation to enforce higher animal welfare standards but the Gillard Government needs to do its bit to cut the supply chain for animals bred in illegal puppy farms,” Mr Walsh said.

“The legislation we are introducing today includes stronger legislative penalties and gives the state the power to seize the proceeds of illegal puppy farm operations.

“We have also given RSPCA animal inspectors greater powers so they can enter puppy farm premises and inspect animals to ensure breeders are complying with the law.

“We are sending a very clear message that we will not tolerate establishments which breach animal welfare standards,” Mr Walsh said.

Legislation introduced in the Victorian Parliament today will see owners of declared dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dogs serve up to 10 years in jail if their dog kills another person.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was introducing tough new penalties to make owners responsible for the actions of their dog.

 

“We are introducing new offences into the Crimes Act for failing to prevent a dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dog from endangering a life or causing a death.

“The legislation creates four new offences, all of which could result in a prison term. The most serious offences apply if the dog in question kills another person and carries the same penalties as dangerous driving causing death.

 

“We are sending a clear message to owners of these dogs: if your animal endangers life or kills somebody, you will be held accountable.”

 

Mr Walsh said the legislation also introduced a range of other new penalties to compel owners of dangerous and restricted breed dogs to adequately manage their animals.

 

“The changes increase the level of responsibility under the law for people to properly manage their dogs,” Mr Walsh said.

 

“Owners of dangerous or restricted breed dogs who fail to notify their local council when their dog escapes or when they change address now face a doubling of penalties to $2442.

 

“Penalties have been increased to $2442 for owners who fail to restrain a dangerous or restricted breed dog on their property or $4885 for dogs outside their property.

 

“Owners of restricted breed dogs will also be required to ensure their dogs wear a warning collar when not at their property. This will provide another way for the public to recognise a restricted breed dog when they see one.

“In addition it will be illegal for people to sell or transfer ownership of restricted breed dogs.”

 

Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was acting swiftly to toughen laws following the tragic death of four-year old Ayen Chol last month.

 

“We have already passed legislation to end the amnesty to register restricted breed dogs. From September 30 any dog identified as an American pitbull terrier that is not registered will be seized and destroyed,” Mr Walsh said.

 

“We have gazetted new guidelines for identifying pitbull terriers to prevent dogs escaping regulation because of uncertainty over their breed.

 

“A new telephone hotline has also opened to give Victorian an additional mechanism to report dangerous dogs.

 

“To date more than 500 calls have been made to the hotline, with 229 calls to report dangerous dogs.”

 

People can report a dog they believe is a restricted breed by phoning the dangerous dog hotline on 1300 10 10 80 between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

 

The hotline should not be used in an emergency. If people are in immediate danger they should phone 000.