Wednesday, 8 June 2022

 Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (09:56): The experience of animals in pounds and shelters across Victoria can be heartbreaking. While some are lovingly rehomed, others spend their lives trapped in a broken system. It has been two years since I learned about Dash the greyhound from his foster mum, Claire. Dash was killed at a Victorian shelter despite repeated adoption offers from Claire and her partner. He was rescued from greyhound racing, but he had anxiety. It is not uncommon, and it can be helped. Claire worked tirelessly and was witnessing remarkable improvements, but upon a routine return to the shelter Dash failed a behavioural test and was euthanised without warning. His story was not rare. Dogs and cats were dying every day in shelters and pounds because it was convenient. It was clear that this needed to change and that those working within the sector needed to be heard.

I was honoured to chair the first ever Taskforce on Rehoming Pets in Victoria. Alongside my fellow task force members, Maree Edwards and Gary Maas, and an entire community of dedicated animal carers, we made 17 crucial recommendations to improve companion animal survival rates and transparency. Last week the government supported every single one. We know that there is so much more work to do to improve the sector and that this is only the beginning. I want to thank everyone who has worked alongside me to ensure more animals are given the chance at a happy and healthy life.