Free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue pet from council pounds and animal shelters has been introduced by the NSW Government to ensure more dogs and cats find a forever home.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said that new initiative reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to encourage prospective pet owners to ‘adopt not shop’ for a dog or cat.
“In 2015, the NSW Government has funded half-price lifetime pet registration for people who rescue dogs and cats from council pounds and animal shelters across the state and in 2018 extended this to include rehoming organisations,” Mr Toole said.
“So far, more than 60,000 pet owners have saved over $1.8 million in reduced pet registration fees.
“I encourage everyone who is thinking about welcoming a dog or cat into their lives to take advantage of free lifetime pet registration and visit our council pound, animal shelter or approved rehoming organisation to rescue an animal in desperate need of a home.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said that this exciting news for animal lovers will provide further assistance to local councils in their responsibility to manage rescue animals.
“The NSW Government is committed to reducing the burden on council pounds and shelters, which is why we are introducing free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue dog or cat,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Last month I also announced that the NSW Government will continue to support local councils through $5.8 million in companion animal funding allocated in the 2021-22 financial year.”
Pet registration fees go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.
Since 2015, the NSW Government has provided more than $30 million to councils through the Companion Animals Fund.
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