Animal welfare grants round now open

•  Animal Welfare Grant Program Round 3 now open
• Grants of up to $50,000 to support not-for-profit activities that help the welfare of companion animals and wildlife
  

The McGowan Government today opened a $500,000 funding pool for community-based projects to improve the welfare of companion animals and rescued wildlife.

Individual grants of up to $50,000 are available under the third round of the Animal Welfare Grant Program.

The initiative supports not-for-profit activities throughout the State that foster and rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and provide subsidised animal health and veterinary services.

Previous recipients have included animal shelters, wildlife carers, rescue groups and rehabilitation centres.

Veterinary clinics, universities and local governments that provide low-cost or free services in relation to desexing, microchipping and the provision of veterinary care can also apply for funding.

Applications close 1 May. For more information, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/animal-welfare-grant-program

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"The McGowan Government has committed $2 million over four years towards the Animal Welfare Grant Program, in recognition of the significant role that companion animals and wildlife play in the lives of Western Australians.

"Thirty-eight projects have been supported by the program in the past two years, resulting in significant improvements to the welfare of animals throughout both metropolitan and regional areas.

"We are keen to hear from projects focused on free or low-cost veterinary services in remote communities, particularly the Pilbara, Kimberley, Mid-West and Goldfields-Esperance.

"We would also encourage groups that support companion animal rescue, fostering or rehoming in regional locations or for individuals experiencing hardship to apply, along with projects that aid the rehabilitation of injured or displaced threatened species and wildlife affected by natural disasters, such as the Kimberley floods."

Minister's office - 6552 6200