Lost dogs and cats are to be reunited with their owners faster under new laws that expand the range of drop-off locations for homesick pets.
Announcing the reform, Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas said from October next year, Victorians would be able to bring a lost dog or cat to a participating vet clinic or registered animal shelter to be reunited with its owner, rather than relying on Councils.
“At present, lost cats and dogs must be handed in to an authorised officer in the Council area where the animal is found, or to vets and shelters that have an agreement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994,” Ms Thomas said.
“Surveys show just 23 per cent of vets have a contract with Council to accept lost pets and as a result many animals are spending longer in pound and shelter facilities,” she said.
Ms Thomas said the reforms allowed shelters and participating vets to accept and reunite lost pets directly with their owners, with simple record-keeping and reporting requirements.
The Minister said the changes would also improve animal welfare by ensuring lost pets got home as quickly as possible; reduce burden on local Councils; and improve operations for regulatory authorities.
She said the new Domestic Animals Amendment (Reuniting Pets and Other Matters) Bill 2021 included a robust verification process to ensure pets were returned to the correct owner.
“It also identifies circumstances where pets should go to the Council to protect public safety and animal welfare,” she said.
“This includes situations where an animal is declared dangerous or ownership cannot be verified,” Ms Thomas said.
