The ACT Government has awarded $200,000 in funding through the Companion Animal Care Grants Program to support community organisations improve animal welfare outcomes across Canberra.
"I am delighted to announce the successful recipients of the inaugural Companion Animal Care Grants," said Minister for City Services, Tara Cheyne.
"Most of the groups receiving funding through the program rely heavily on dedicated volunteers and community support to deliver important animal welfare outcomes across Canberra. This includes rescuing, rehoming, advocating and caring for companion animals such as cats and dogs."
"With increasing costs and other pressures, it was important for the ACT Government to step in with extra support, which we committed in the 24-25 Budget. Recognising the severity of the situation, the ACT Government has worked hard to establish this program as a matter of urgency."
Groups to receive funding include:
- ACT Pet Crisis Support
- ACT Rescue and Foster
- Canberra Pet Rescue
- Canberra Street Cat Alliance
- Completely Rescued
- Labrador Rescue
- Pets and Positive Ageing
- Pets in the Park
- RSPCA ACT
- The Rabbit Sanctuary
Grants will be used by for a wide variety of activities including to support:
- volunteer-run vet clinics to help pet owners with a Healthcare Card to care for their pets
- services for older pet owners to help them keep their pets as their health declines
- homeless people with companion animals by providing access to medications to treat the chronic health conditions of their pets
- purchasing food and litter for foster carers to assist with rehoming cats in need
- training for rescue dogs to increase the chances of rehoming them
- desexing of rescue dogs to reduce the number of unplanned and unwanted litters
- upgrading animal care facilities including a cattery and small animal enclosure
- the rescue and rehoming of domestic rabbits
"Our companion animals provide many in our community with physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
"Unfortunately, with the current cost of living crisis, there is more demand than ever for the important work of pet rescue, rehoming, advocacy and other groups, with an increase in abandoned and surrendered animals.
"This funding is intended to provide timely support for Canberra's these organisations, recognising the efforts of existing volunteer groups actively caring for Canberra's companion animals.
"I thank the dedicated community groups and their selfless volunteers who support animal welfare outcomes across our city. I hope this funding eases some of the pressures they are facing and I look forward to more positive outcomes for companion animals across the city, thanks to their work," concluded Minister Cheyne.
