Victorian animal shelters and pounds are to report publicly and to Government on the rehoming of pets in a bid to make the practice more transparent and responsible.
Announcing changes to the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds, Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas said the updates would make it compulsory for shelters and pounds to report a variety of data on the dogs and cats that came into their care.
Ms Thomas said this included data on the number of animals euthanised, if the animal was reclaimed by its owner, entered foster care or was rehomed.
She said if an animal was euthanised, the reasons for euthanasia would also need to be reported.
“Victoria will be the first state to collect and publish such comprehensive data, which will be made available via an online, state-wide report,” Ms Thomas said.
“This builds on existing measures in the Code, which sets a minimum standard of care and record keeping for animals in shelters and pounds,” she said.
“While the existing Code requires records to be collected and kept for five years, it previously did not require shelters or pounds to report to government or publish any data recorded.”
The Minister said the new data would be used to understand the volume of activity and challenges faced by shelters and pounds.
Ms Thomas said Victoria would be the first Australian State to collect and publish such comprehensive data, which is to be made available via an online State-wide report.
“These changes to the Code of Practice will be a positive step for our State – giving the community the confidence that Victoria’s much-loved cats and dogs are receiving the care they deserve,” she said.
