Thursday, 22 September 2016
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall today announced Moree Plains Shire Council would receive a grant of $13,000 from the NSW Government to promote responsible pet ownership in the local community.
Mr Marshall said the funding boost would allow council to provide important programs such as free microchipping and community education workshops.
“This 12-month project will be conducted in collaboration with the Moree branches of NSW Animal Welfare League, RSPCA NSW and the Moree Police,” Mr Marshall said.
“It will involve the humane trapping of cats and dogs and those that are suitable for re-homing will be microchipped, de-sexed, wormed and vaccinated against Parvo virus.
“Council will also run a Responsible Pet Ownership school education program which will promote good hygiene and animal health.
“They will also conduct Responsible Pet Ownership community events which will provide free microchipping of owned cats and dogs.”
Mr Marshall said one of the immediate benefits from the program would be the reuniting of lost and straying pets with their registered owners.
“There will be fewer unwanted animals on the streets which will lead to improved community safety and the education programs will create greater community awareness of responsible pet ownership,” he said.
The NSW Government introduced the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants scheme in 2014 to target programs that will increase microchipping, lifetime registration and de-sexing rates.
Mr Marshall said the government was committed to improving the positive benefits of pet ownership while strengthening safety and education in local neighbourhoods.
“Pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households across our region and it is vital that we are supporting our communities promote responsible pet ownership,” he said.