Mobile animal care vehicles to improve emergency rescue response
People in rural and regional parts of the state concerned for the safety of their pets and livestock during extreme weather events will have better access to mobile animal care services, thanks to a $2.5 million investment from the NSW Government.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the Mobile Animal Care Services 2022 Grant Program is now open for eligible groups to apply for funding.
“In the flood events on the North Coast, mobile animal care service vehicles played an important role in supporting the emergency response and recovery of impacted communities. Our goal is to help minimise the devastating consequences of any future natural disasters and to be even more prepared to care for animals in urgent need,” Mr Saunders said.
“This new program is specifically to fund mobile animal care services, such as trucks or vans, to bolster animal care and capabilities during these peak critical times and enable more efficient rescue and treatment of pets and livestock during an emergency response.
"These vehicles will also be an instrumental resource to provide routine treatments and preventative care for pets and livestock in areas of need, particularly in regional areas experiencing a shortage of animal care providers or services.”
To be eligible to apply for Mobile Animal Care Services grant, applicants must be a non-government incorporated not-for-profit with an ABN or ACN. Services may include mobile companion animal and livestock care services, such as routine treatment and preventative care, first aid, mobile/portable holding and transport, or mobile veterinary clinic services.
If the applicant plans on providing veterinary services, they must comply with NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board licensing requirements. The Board must refuse to grant a license unless the applicant is a veterinary practitioner.
Mr Saunders said the Mobile Animal Care Services Grant Program forms part of the NSW Government’s broader, ongoing commitment to the prevention of animal cruelty in NSW.
“During COVID, we saw a significant boom in the number of people buying pets, some of whom were just not suitable in the first place to take on such a responsibility,” Mr Saunders said.
“A result of this has been a significant influx in the number of animals being taken to pounds or sold or rehomed irresponsibly.
“That’s why the NSW Government has begun an online advertising campaign encouraging prospective pet buyers to prepare appropriately for their new family member, identify problem breeders and improve their understanding of animal welfare.”
For more information and tips for buying or adopting a dog, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/animal-welfare/animal-care-and-welfare/other/dogs-and-cats/buying
For more information on the Mobile Animal Care Services Grant Program and to apply, visit dpi.nsw.gov.au/animal welfare
Related Articles: #EnvironmentandHeritage
