By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A PAKENHAM animal welfare organisation says it would use a State Government grant to improve the infrastructure and services it provides.
Applications are now open for local non-government and not-for-profit groups to receive up to $50,000 under the government’s $1.6 million Animal Welfare Fund.
The money will be awarded to organisations providing services such as animal rehoming and reuniting, dog obedience classes, care centres during emergencies and services educating the community on responsible pet ownership.
Ebony Knight, committee member at Forever Friends Animal Rescue, said the group received a grant under the scheme last year and intended to apply for further funding.
“Last year we applied for a large grant and received $35,000 which enabled us to rescue 250 mums and kittens, buy equipment to care for them and network them for adoption,” Ebony said.
“The grant has unlimited potential to help rescue organisations like us and we intend to make the absolute most of this amazing opportunity.”
Forever Friends is a not-for-profit organisation staffed entirely by volunteers. The service has experienced heavily increased demand over the last few years and currently has 300 foster carers that have provided temporary homes for 500 cats and 200 dogs in 2015 alone.
Ebony said that while the grants were extremely helpful, the organisation believeds that animal shelters should receive ongoing government funding.
“Funding should be based on performance, with no-kill initiatives and lowered kill rates rewarded with higher levels of funding than underperformers.
“This could help reduce issues with shelters gaining contracts to increase profit rather than focusing on reuniting, rehoming and rehabilitating animals.”
Eastern Victoria Region MP Harriet Shing said that the government grants provided crucial support to animal welfare organisations.
“These local organisations play a critical role in improving and protecting the welfare of our pet companions,” she said.
“We take animal welfare seriously and will continue to support our local volunteer organisations to carry out this important work.”
The funding is separated into small grants (up to $10,000) and large grants (up to $50,000). Organisations can apply by visiting www.animalwelfare.smartygrants.com.au before 31 July.
