Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Monday, 30 November 2020

The NSW Government is supporting local councils to care for our beloved pet cats and dogs, with more than $30 million in companion animal funding over the past five years.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Government is committed to supporting our councils manage companion animals in their local communities.

“Each year over 5,000 cats and dogs are reported lost across NSW and its often our council pounds that are left to care for missing pets,” Mrs Hancock said.

“That’s why the Government has committed almost $6 million from the Companion Animals Fund to our 128 local councils in 2020-21, with more than $30 million provided in the past five years.”

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.

Mrs Hancock also encouraged families thinking about welcoming a pet cat or dog into their lives this Christmas to ‘adopt not shop’ for their new furry friend.

“This message is particularly relevant this Christmas given the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large spike in new pets and additional pressure on our pounds,” Mrs Hancock said.

“It’s no surprise that people have turned to pets for comfort amid these challenging and uncertain times.

“I encourage anyone thinking about welcoming a dog or cat into their lives or giving one as a gift to visit a council pound, an RSPCA shelter, or one of the many approved rehoming organisations across the State to rescue an animal in desperate need of a home.”

Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos said as well as being wonderful new furry family members, adopting not shopping for a pet has the added benefit of reducing the burden on pounds and, importantly, helps lower euthanasia rates.

“It’s so important that we support our council-run shelters to help find lost cats and dogs a new fur-ever home,” Ms Petinos said.

“I’m pleased to say that this year alone Sutherland Shire Council has received over $200,000 in companion animal funding from the NSW Government.”

Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said anyone considering adopting a pet this Christmas should also consider the ongoing responsibility and commitment required to care for a pet dog or cat.

“You need to be sure that you or the person you are buying a pet for can meet the long-term cost and care requirements of the animal,” Mr Speakman said.

Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said people adopting a rescue cat or dog also benefit from half-price lifetime pet registration fees.

“The Government is committed to encouraging pet adoptions and that’s why we offer a 50 per cent discount on lifetime pet registration fees for people who rescue pets from council pounds, RSPCA shelters and rehoming organisations,” Mr Evans said.

“Since 2015, more than 54,000 pet owners have saved nearly $1.5 million in reduced pet registration fees.

“We have also reduced the lifetime cat registration fee by $10 this year to encourage higher registration rates and adoption of desexed cats from pounds and shelters.”

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | 0438 255 020