Caring For And Protecting Victorian Pets And Wildlife

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will make sure sick and injured wildlife can get the care they need and ensure more support for Victorian pets.

Victorians love and appreciate their unique wildlife and want to know sick and injured animals will be cared for. 

That’s why Labor will create a new wildlife hospital in the state’s south-west, caring for wildlife hurt in natural disasters and other events, with a $4.7 million investment to support the hospital’s design, start-up and running costs.

On top of that, we’ll invest $960,000 to continue the Wildlife Emergency Support Network.

The network brings together wildlife rescuers, rehabilitators and carers with vets and zookeepers to respond to wildlife emergencies like bushfires, making sure there’s a coordinated response to treat injured wildlife.

And we’ll deliver $480,000 for the Zoos Victoria Wildlife Outreach program, supporting regional vets treating sick and injured wildlife.

It’s part of a $26.5 million animal welfare package that will deliver a swathe of new dog parks across Victoria and invest $2 million to support low cost vet clinics – ensuring all pets get the treatment they need. 

A re-elected Labor Government will also invest $5 million in the Animal Welfare Fund, supporting pet shelters, animal rescue and rehoming organisations.

Labor will continue to safeguard animal welfare with a draft of our modern, fit-for-purpose animal welfare laws to be released in 2023, giving all Victorians the opportunity to have their say before it is introduced into Parliament. 

There are more than 700 registered volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria, playing an important role in rescuing and caring for injured, sick or displaced wildlife and releasing them back into the wild.

Labor has invested more than $560 million in protecting biodiversity and the environment since 2014, more than any government in Victoria’s history.

Only a re-elected Labor Government will open a new wildlife hospital and support the important work of vets and rescue organisations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney

“Victorians love their wildlife and they want to make sure wild animals are looked after during emergency events like bushfires.”

“You can’t trust Matthew Guy’s Liberals to look after Victorian animals and pets – they opposed our laws to crack down on cruel puppy farms and tried to keep dogs and cats living in misery.”

 Quote attributable to Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re protecting our native wildlife and supporting their rehabilitation, because it’s what matters for the community and Victorians.”