The Victorian Government is supporting horse welfare organisations across the state to boost care, rehabilitation and rehoming services for the much-loved animals.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas met with Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria in Smythesdale today to announce a $55,000 Equine Rehabilitation Grant for important education and training programs, and to rehabilitate more horses.
The funding will be used to increase community awareness of horse welfare through specialised sessions and workshops. It will also help to recruit and train representatives from Project Hope that will support horse owners across Victoria to provide the best care possible, and rehabilitate 12 horses.
The Equine Rehabilitation Grants are funded through the Animal Welfare Fund (AWF) Grants Program and will provide $1 million over three years to not-for-profit equine rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming organisations to improve horse welfare outcomes.
Round One of the grants offered a total of $340,000 for the purchase of equipment or professional services, facility upgrades or the expansion of services offered by a horse care organisation.
Project Hope is one of five organisations to receive an Equine Rehabilitation Grant in Round One.
Since the AWF Grants Program was launched in 2012, 169 grants have been awarded to organisations totalling almost $4.2 million to improve the welfare of companion animals in Victoria.
The Program provides grants to not-for-profit and community organisations aiming to improve responsible animal ownership and provide better animal welfare services to companion animals and the community.
For more information visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
"We are proud to support equine rehabilitation and rehoming services, and recognise the important role these organisations play in providing care to horses in need."
"These grants will provide better animal welfare outcomes and more education and training, while rehabilitating more horses to give animals a second chance at life."
As stated by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
"Project Hope is helping to improve horse welfare by providing important care to vulnerable horses not just in the Smythesdale community, but right around the state."
As stated by Project Hope President Kathyrn Wren
"This funding will assist us in our almost 50-year mission to raise awareness of horse welfare standards and improve welfare outcomes."
