Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed a move by the NSW Government to provide free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue pet from council pounds and animal shelters.
Mr Saunders said that new initiative reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to encourage prospective pet owners to ‘adopt not shop’ for a dog or cat and provide a forever home for animals who find themselves in pounds or shelters.
“Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded half-price lifetime pet registration for people who rescue dogs and cats from pounds and shelters across the state, and in 2018 extended this to include rehoming organisations,” he said.
“Now we are moving to the provision of free lifetime registration and I encourage everyone who is thinking about welcoming a dog or cat into their lives to take advantage of this and visit a council pound, animal shelter or approved rehoming organisation to rescue an animal in desperate need of a home.”
Last month the NSW Government also announced that it will continue to support local councils through $5.8 million in companion animal funding allocated in the 2021-22 financial year.
Pet registration fees go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.
The fund is also used by the NSW Government to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.
Since 2015, the NSW Government has provided more than $30 million to councils through the Companion Animals Fund.