Three NSW animal welfare organisations will share in $2.45 million to fund the rehoming of animals used in scientific research projects.
The Minns Labor Government’s Research Animals Rehoming Grant Program supports organisations in finding homes for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and other animals after they have completed their involvement in research.
The majority of cats and dogs used in research are used to taste test new pet foods or in animal medicine test programs run through vet clinics.
The organisations to receive the funding are the Animal Welfare League, which will receive $825,000, Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre, which will receive $800,000, and Liberty Foundation Australia, which will receive $825,000.
Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, said the $2.45 million in funding will make a real and proven difference and is dedicated to improving animal welfare outcomes by supporting specialist organisations to successfully rehome research animals.
“Effective rehoming requires education and a coordinated, cooperative approach, and that is why the NSW Government is supporting this by working with research, rehoming and animal welfare organisations to achieve the best outcome for research animals when they retire.”
Stephen Albin, NSW CEO of Animal Welfare League, said the funding will assist them to rehome the animals that come into their care, regardless of their origins.
“Our commitment involves enhancing each animal’s socialisation skills by understanding their past, respecting their individual needs, and providing a safe and protected sanctuary here at our Kemps Creek Shelter.
“We offer every animal, including those from research, high-quality veterinary care, behavioural improvements, including walking animals four times daily, nutritional enhancement and careful matching with potential owners.”
Paula Wallace, Director at Liberty Foundation Australia, said funding like this is vital for small charities like Liberty Foundation to give them the helping hand they need to scale up their activities and share the wonderful message of rehoming with more people.
“We know that small animals coming out of research settings can transition well into people’s homes as pets and companions and this funding means we can provide this opportunity to more animals.
“This funding comes at a crucial time, when more research establishments than ever before are wanting to work with us to provide the best possible outcomes for animals after their time in research.”
The Rehoming Grant Program funding is part of a broader $7 million investment to enhance positive welfare outcomes for animals, both during and after use in research, including identifying alternatives to replace animals in research.
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