Three NSW based animal welfare organisations will share in $2.45 million to fund the rehoming of animals following their contribution to important scientific research projects.
The Minns Labor Government's Research Animals Rehoming Grant Program supports organisations to find forever homes for cats, dogs, guinea pigs and other animals after they have completed their involvement in research.
With this investment and a suite of initiatives, including the recent passing of the Puppy Farm Bill introducing mandatory regulation of dog breeders, the Government is delivering on its commitment to modernise and strengthen the state's animal welfare environment.
The animal rehoming organisations to receive funding are:
- Animal Welfare League (AWL) - $825,000
The AWL will continue its re-homing pilot program including building a wing at its site for dogs and cats from research establishments to transition them and then find new homes post-retirement.
- Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre - $800,000
The centre plans to build a "real life room" at their current facility. The room will simulate a home environment to allow animals previously used in research to undertake rehabilitation and help them move on to the next phase of their lives.
- Liberty Foundation Australia - $825,000
Liberty Foundation will scale up its rehoming work with small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and mice, including new education and volunteer programs to raise awareness and encourage more people to adopt an animal from research.
The Rehoming Grant Program funding is part of a broader $7 million investment to enhance positive welfare outcomes for animals, both during and after use in research, including identifying alternatives to replace animals in research.
The vast bulk of cats and dogs used in research are either part of programs designed to taste test new pet foods or as part of animal medicine test programs run through vet clinics with the approval of the animal's owner.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes of all animals and in this case that of research animals.
"This $2.45 million in funding will make a real and proven difference and is dedicated to improving animal welfare outcomes by supporting specialist organisations to successfully rehome research animals.
"Effective rehoming requires education and a coordinated, cooperative approach, and that is why the NSW Government is supporting this by working with research, rehoming and animal welfare organisations to achieve the best outcome for research animals when they retire."
NSW CEO Animal Welfare League Stephen Albin said:
"AWL NSW is pleased to be one of the recipients of funding from this important program, it will assist us rehome the animals that come into our care, regardless of their origins.
"Our commitment involves enhancing each animal's socialisation skills by understanding their past, respecting their individual needs, and providing a safe and protected sanctuary here at our Kemps Creek Shelter.
"We offer every animal, including those from research, high-quality veterinary care, behavioural improvements, including walking animals four times daily, nutritional enhancement and careful matching with potential owners.
"Our unique 'Hope to Love' journey allows for prolonged stays demonstrating our dedication to animal welfare."
Paula Wallace, Director Liberty Foundation Australia said:
"Liberty Foundation is delighted to be awarded funding as part of this unique grant program, which will help us provide a lifeline for animals moving from research establishments into the community.
"We know that small animals coming out of research settings can transition well into people's homes as pets and companions and this funding means we can provide this opportunity to more animals.
"This funding comes at a crucial time, when more research establishments than ever before are wanting to work with us to provide the best possible outcomes for animals after their time in research.
"Funding like this is vital for small charities like Liberty Foundation to give us the helping hand we need to scale up our activities and share the wonderful message of rehoming with more people."
Brad Bunting Mayor of Blacktown Citysaid:
"This NSW Government grant will further support Blacktown City Council's vision to help animals transition to happy, comfortable lives while changing community perceptions around rehoming pets.
"The 'real life room' at the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) is a practical step toward easing the transition of retired research animals back into the real world, giving them the chance to live happy and comfortable lives.
"BARC is a state-of-the-art facility built to give animals the best chance at finding loving permanent homes. Designed with world-leading research, it sets a new standard for animal welfare, creating a welcoming space where pets in need and families searching for their perfect companion can come together.
