(QLD) RSPCA applauds animal welfare milestone

The State Government’s decision to conduct a review into the mandatory identification and desexing of companion animals has been applauded by RSPCA Qld. The Government is calling for public feedback on ways of managing the burgeoning problem of unwanted dogs and cats. Among the measures to be looked at are:

• Statewide mandatory registration of all dogs and cats;
• Statewide mandatory micro-chipping of all dogs and cats;
• Mandatory de-sexing before the sale of all dogs and cats with exceptions for
registered breeders, working dogs etc;
• Linking cheaper registration for pets to de-sexing;
• Greater public education about responsible pet ownership.

“We’re absolutely delighted to see the State Government leading the country in animal welfare reform,” said RSPCA Qld CEO Mark Townend. “If introduced, all of these proposals would work as a combined package to improve animal welfare and reduce animal suffering throughout the State.

We urge the people of Queensland to participate and respond positively and favourably.”

RSPCA Qld has campaigned long and hard for the compulsory de-sexing of cats. Over 12,000 cats and kittens have to be euthanased every year. Compulsory cat de-sexing is seen as being a win, not only for cat lovers, but for conservationists who are concerned about the damage cats inflict on wildlife.

“Our staff are elated that these measures are being considered,” added RSPCA Qld’s Director of Veterinary Services Dr Anne Covill. “They join the RSPCA because they love animals and then find they have to put unwanted animals to sleep because of human irresponsibility.”

Mr Townend is also excited that this will allow the RSPCA to direct more resources into educating the public about animal welfare and humane values.

“It will allow us to be more proactive and less reactive. In an ideal world there would be no need for animal shelters at all. We would be working toward fixing the problems before they occurred.”

The discussion paper - ‘Managing unwanted dogs and cats’ – and a questionnaire to make commenting easier -are available on www.dpi.qld.gov.au or www.lgp.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.
Submissions close Friday August 3 2007.

RSPCA Qld urges everyone to respond to the survey and fill out the questionnaire!

Reference: www.rspcaqld.org.au

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