Pilbara animal welfare groups receive funding boost

Animal welfare groups across the Pilbara have received a $1.1 million funding boost from the State Government to assist a range of not-for-profit support activities, including reducing veterinarian costs for pet owners. Thirty-eight recipients will share funding from the Animal Welfare Grant Program, which will help provide free or low-cost veterinary services, support animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts for companion animals, and back initiatives that care for displaced or injured wildlife. From the Kimberley to the South Coast, the funding will boost the diverse work of community organisations, universities and veterinary centres. Volunteer-based animal rescue service Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) received $50,000 to support its desexing and microchipping program across 11 branches. SAFE leverages its relationships with veterinary clinics across WA to facilitate these services at a reduced cost for people experiencing hardship. Additionally, Ngaanyatjarra Health Service in the Pilbara was granted $41,650 to assist its veterinary team in providing free veterinary services, such as desexing and vaccinations, to rural and remote communities. Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the cost-of-living pressures have seen an increase in animal surrenders placing more demand on animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation services. “The Animal Welfare Grant Program plays an essential role in supporting the wonderful work of these important not-for-profit organisations throughout the State,” she said. “It was great to meet with the dedicated staff and volunteers of SAFE in Karratha recently, who play an important role in caring for and rehoming rescued and surrendered companion animals across WA. “I’d also like to thank all the hardworking volunteers who dedicate their time to care for our sick and injured native wildlife.” A total of 72 projects have been funded by the Animal Welfare Grant Program since 2021.