Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, left, and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall pictured today with RSPCA volunteer Melanie Hayes and adopt-a-dogs Roxy and Kendal.
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announced Uralla Shire Council and Walcha Council would receive a $25,000 grant from the NSW Government to promote responsible pet ownership in the local community.
Mr Marshall said Uralla and Walcha Councils had joined forces to deliver the ‘Animals are our Companions’ program. He said the initiative would see the councils share ranger and veterinarian services, as well as provide discounted vouchers for de-sexing and micro chipping pet dogs and cats.
“I congratulate the councils for their leadership in promoting responsible pet ownership. The funding boost will go a long way in increasing awareness and providing affordable services to the community,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Anderson said pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households around the region.
“The NSW Government is committed to improving the positive benefits of pet ownership while strengthening safety in our local neighbourhoods,” he said.
Responsible Pet Ownership Grants were introduced in 2014 for councils to develop tailored programs to increase pet-owner responsibility and target issues addressed in the Companion Animals Taskforce Report.
Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said this is the second round of the Government’s successful Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program.
“Around $300,000 will go directly to 29 NSW councils in 2015 to develop dog safety, micro chipping, de-sexing, and cat and dog registration programs,” Mr Toole said.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman has welcomed the second round of grants.
“Anything that improves the rates of pets being vaccinated de-sexed and micro chipped is something to be applauded,” Mr Coleman said.
Applications for Round three of the program will be called in the second quarter of 2016.