Parks And Protections For Our Pets And Wildlife
Oscar was a dog that inspired a movement. And alongside Oscar, his owner Deb and animal welfare advocates, Labor fought to put an end to the cruel practice of puppy farms.
Today, Victoria is home to the strictest breeding rules in the country. A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will build on those reforms – making sure that every four-legged Victorian has the care they deserve.
Labor will deliver a swathe of new dog parks and more support to give beloved pets the care they need, as part of a $20 million animal welfare package announced today.
Victorian pets are a part of the family. Labor will invest $13.4 million to build six new dog parks in Armstrong Creek, Wollert, Sydenham, Mount Waverley, Wantirna and Endeavour Hills – and upgrade up to 22 dog parks – giving local families and their pets more spaces to enjoy.
No Victorian should have to choose between paying expensive vet bills and making a heartbreaking decision about treating their sick and injured pets. That’s why we will invest $2 million to support low-cost vet clinics – ensuring all pets can get the treatment they need.
We will also invest $5 million in the Animal Welfare Fund, supporting pet shelters, animal rescue and rehoming organisations – an investment made in Oscar’s memory.
Labor will continue to safeguard animal welfare, with a draft of our modern, fit-for-purpose animal welfare laws to be released in 2023, ensuring all Victorians have the opportunity to have their say before it is introduced into Parliament.
You can’t trust the Liberals when it comes to animal welfare – they opposed our laws to crack down on cruel puppy farms.
Only Labor is doing what matters and investing to support Victorian animals and pets.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We said we’d ban puppy farming in Victoria and give renters the right to keep a pet, and we have. Now, we’ll do even more to keep our family pets and animals safe, happy and healthy.”
“Only Labor will keep delivering the reforms and investment that protect Victoria's animals – because only Labor will do what matters.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“More dog parks across Melbourne will mean more open spaces for families and their pets to exercise, play and enjoy, closer to home.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney
“You can’t trust Matthew Guy’s Liberals to look after Victorian animals and pets – they opposed our laws to crack down on cruel puppy farms and tried to keep dogs and cats living in misery.”