Statement from Kristie Johnston:
Today in Parliament I asked the Minister responsible for animal welfare, Jane Howlett, if the Government would provide immediate funding to the RSPCA and other animal rescue organisations, to ensure they are not out of pocket in dealing with the labradoodle puppy farm crisis.
She refused.
The Minister is happy for cash-strapped ordinary Tasmanians to dip into their pockets to fix this disaster, when the Government’s has failed to introduce contemporary animal welfare laws. The full text of my question follows:
Minister, Tasmanians have been horrified at the treatment of 250 labradoodles. They are angry that due to the inadequacies of this government’s animal welfare laws that prosecution wasn’t possible and that these breeders were able to operate for so long and inflict so much pain and suffering on so many dogs.
Thankfully through the amazing negotiation skills of the RSPCA these dogs have been rescued and ordinary Tasmanians have generously donated $300k to the RSPCA to help care for these neglected and abused dogs. The RSPCA will share this money with partner organisations such as the Dogs Home and Brightside.
However, hefty vet bills will consume much of the funds raised leaving them still with a very large bill.
Minister, will you provide immediate government funding to these organisations to ensure they are not out of pocket in dealing with this animal welfare crisis, one that could have been avoided if we had contemporary and strong animal welfare laws?