Local Governments play a major role in safeguarding the welfare of animals as they are responsible for enforcing legislation and educating pet owners. Many Local Governments are now working with the Victorian branch of the RSPCA to provide better animal welfare services.
Executive Manager Animal Welfare, Jo Lindley, said the Burwood Shelter services five Local Governments within the Melbourne Region. The society works with Monash, Port Phillip, Glen Eira, Mornington Peninsula and Whittlesea.
Jo Lindley said joint programs with the RSPCA Victoria help Local Governments demonstrate their proactive stance on animal welfare and are a positive way to engage with the community.
“Owners are required to ensure that their animals are registered before collecting them from the RSPCA,” she said.
In the past year, the RSPCA has provided discounted microchipping and desexing services to Local Government. The initiative has been very successful, with thousands of animals being treated through these programs at times convenient for their owners.
Council rangers and members of the public admit animals to RSPCA shelters. In 2003 to 2004, 3,419 dogs and 2,513 cats were admitted to the Burwood East Shelter by Council rangers, which accounted for 49 per cent or the RSPCA’s intake of dogs and cats.
Jo Lindley said the RSPCA was pleased to work recently cooperatively with the Melbourne City Council to explore options for the control of feral pigeons in the central business district.
For more details contact RSPCA Victoria, telephone (03) 9224 2222.
