Dogs’ home funding crisis

The Tasmanian Greens today urged the Minister for Primary Industries to consider working with Local Government to allow for a small levy on pet registrations, to address the funding crisis facing the Dogs’ Home of Tasmania and potentially, other animal shelters such as the Cat Centre.

Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said the Dogs’ Home plays an essential role in caring for and re-homing lost or abandoned animals, but was currently facing a critical funding shortage.

“The Dogs Home cares for around 5000 dogs a year across its Devonport, Burnie and Hobart shelters, and it plays a significant animal welfare role on behalf of nine Tasmanian Councils but it’s desperately underfunded and facing potential closure if nothing is done,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Local Councils need to work with the State Government and the Dogs Home to implement a long-term funding solution for the care of stray and abandoned dogs.”

“The Greens questioned the Minister today about the possibility of placing a small levy on pet registrations, so that pet owners are making a contribution towards the welfare of these animals.”

“The Minister has indicated he supports finding a long term funding solution, so the Greens are urging him to work with Local Government to consider a levy on registrations to support animal shelters as one option.”

“Much of the burden on animal shelters in Tasmania is the result of the large number of puppies being bred in unregulated and often cruel circumstances.”

“The Greens want stronger regulatory action against puppy farms, who are often backyard operators that treat dogs like puppy machines pumping out litter after litter to maximise profits.”

“Many of these puppy farm dogs are purchased on impulse, and sadly a large number become the responsibility of the Dogs’ Home of Tasmania after their owners decide to change their mind.”

Ms O’Connor said animal welfare groups, including the Dogs Home, and the Greens have expressed strong support for a ban on puppy farms and stronger regulations on breeders in their submissions to the current Review of the Animal Welfare Act.