THE state government has announced it will boost funding to the RSPCA WA – the state’s most prominent animal protection and welfare organisation.
Premier Colin Barnett tied the announcement in with the RSPCA Million Paws Walk last week and said the state government would increase its annual funding of the organisation by $250,000, taking the total to $500,000 a year.
“The RSPCA is a well-respected community based organisation which helps to promote care and prevent cruelty to animals,” Mr Barnett said.
“The strong presence of animal owners at events such as the Million Paws Walk ... highlights the importance the WA community places on spending time with their pets and making sure they are well cared for.
“Sadly, not all animal owners have the same standards of care and that’s where the RSPCA plays such an important role in promoting awareness and where necessary, undertaking prosecutions.”
The funding will be conditional and delivered through agreed animal welfare education and compliance activities, which are in addition to other activities undertaken by the state government.
Programs run through the RSPCA education and training unit educate community groups on animal welfare, responsible pet care and promoting cruelty prevention, with more than 3,000 students participate in RSPCA on-site programs each year.