5 July 2011

1 minute read

Oceania

This follows a Budget announcement by the State Government to boost animal welfare funding and transfer regulatory responsibility for the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (the Act) from the Department of Local Government.

Department Director General Rob Delane said the department was committed to monitoring welfare and enforcing the Act, in close partnership with the RSPCA WA and other government departments.

“Our capacity has been boosted with the State Government’s provision for the appointment of six additional full-time inspectors, bringing the department’s number of general inspectors to 14, and creating a much greater regulatory presence throughout the State,” Mr Delane said.

“The department’s Statewide network of inspectors and veterinarians, existing surveillance services and expertise in animal health, combined with RSPCA WA’s record of success representing the interests of animals, will enable an integrated approach to animal care.

“We all have a role to play in protecting animals from cruelty – community, industry and government.”

The department’s key functions will be to promote responsible animal care and treatment, help protect animals from cruelty, safeguard the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes and promote compliance with nationally agreed codes of practice by livestock industries.

This will include a greater presence at livestock congregation points such as saleyards and feedlots.

TheCattleSite News Desk