Thank you Honourable Speaker.
My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries.
Minister, Tasmanians have been horrified at the condition 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.
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 animal welfare laws?