Gerald Lynch
The next round of applications for the animal welfare fund grants program is now open, with organisations throughout Melbourne’s north encouraged to apply.
The program offers grants of up to $200,000 to support animal shelters, community foster care networks, expand or upgrade equipment or services, while helping veterinary clinics provide low-cost services.
Eligible organisations can now apply for funding for projects that benefit companion animals such as rabbits, caged birds and ‘pocket pets’, in addition to cats and dogs.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence opened the applications on November 10, and visited the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Craigieburn, to announce the successful recipients of the third round of the pet desexing and equine rehabilitation grants.
“These grants will alleviate the pressure on animal shelters while ensuring our companion animals and owners have access to affordable services,” Ms Spence said.
“These grants will help to strengthen animal welfare and keep these essential services accessible to all Victorians.”
The new round of grants includes $500,000 to support councils and not-for-profits to deliver free or low-cost desexing programs for cats and dogs and $330,000 to organisations that rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses.
Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) has been awarded $75,000 in the latest round of the pet desexing grants program and aims to host a series of free ‘desexathon’ days – with the goal of desexing 340 cats.
SCAR chief executive & founder Marisa Debattista said the funding will help her organisation to continue to help both pets and their owners.
“Second Chance Animal Rescue not only rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes homeless companion animals, but we also support vulnerable pet owners through tough times,” she said.
“This funding will assist organisations such as ours to improve our equipment and facilities, which will help us continue to provide the best and most-affordable care for Victoria’s much-loved furry friends.”
Applications for round 11 of grants are open until December 9, 2023. Details: animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.
