By Callum Ludwig
Changes to the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds announced by the Victorian Government are set to introduce mandatory reporting and collection of key data, promoting a transparent and responsible process of rehoming of animals.
It will compulsory for pounds and shelters to report data including whether a dog or cat is euthanised, is reclaimed by its owner, enters foster care or is rehomed after being taken into their care, which will be made available via an online, state-wide report.
Chief Executive of Animal Aid in Coldstream Mark Menze said Animal Aid welcomes the recent changes to the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats and supports the mandatory reporting of animal statistics in shelters and pounds.
“We have published our animal statistics annually for many years in our Annual General Report and are proud of our high save rates,” he said.
“I was a member of the Animal Welfare Committee led by Andy Meddick MP and fully supported this initiative. Transparency is paramount when looking after our most vulnerable animals; this policy will be further encouragement for all parties to act in the best interests of each individual cat and dog.”
If an animal is euthanised, the reasons for euthanasia will also now need to be reported.
CEO of the RSPCA Victoria Dr Liz Walker said she also welcome the changes and that for more than twenty years RSPCA Victoria has voluntarily reported its animal fate data in its annual report, which is publicly available on its website and included in RSPCA Australia’s national report.
“This important change is something RSPCA Victoria advocated for – it will strengthen the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds and is in line with community sentiment, making the reporting of animal fate data mandatory will help ensure all animal care groups across Victoria are transparent and adhere to the same standards,” she said.
“As a socially conscious shelter, RSPCA Victoria believes transparency, including reporting of animal fate data, collaboration and continuous improvement of standards are vital to ensure all animals are treated humanely and are provided with their best opportunity to live a good life.”
The existing Code previously required records to be collected and kept for five years but did not require shelters or pounds to report to the government or publish any data recorded.
Dr Walker said it’s great to see the Government prioritising animal welfare and making proactive changes to improve the lives of animals.
“We know companion animals matter to Victorians – they make our lives better and we owe it to them to provide the best care and outcomes possible. This includes the tens of thousands of animals who are cared for by shelters, pounds and rescue groups across the state every year,” she said.
“We were really pleased to hear the recent news that all 17 recommendations from the Government’s Taskforce on Rehoming Pets will be implemented, including improvements to the regulatory framework for rehoming pets, that will work to improve the welfare of dogs and cats requiring rehoming.”
The data will also help the Victorian Government to better understand the volume and activity and challenges faced by pounds and shelters, which can then be used to adopt the recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets.
“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,” said Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas.
More information about the Code can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au
