The RSPCA is asking for federal funding to help ensure pets and their owners can stay together during a crisis.
RSPCA Australia says new research shows that 98% of Australians believe it is important for owner and pet to stay together during a crisis with 96% believing that has a positive impact on wellbeing.
Society CEO Richard Mussell says: “It’s clear keeping pets and owners together during a crisis is something Australians believe in.
“Any situation resulting in the forced separation of an owner from their companion animal is difficult to handle and the RSPCA is always working on alternative ways to prevent these separations from occurring.”
RSPCA BID FOR FUNDING
The RSPCA has filed a pre-federal budget submission calling for more money to be made available for animal and human welfare organisations to apply for; the federal budget is due to be released next Tuesday.
This funding would expand emergency programs and pet-inclusive domestic violence refuge accommodation and to train animal welfare workers such as veterinarians and inspectors identify animal abuse in domestic violence situations.
The RSPCA says that it provides emergency boarding and care for pets and owners on a short-term which has proven successful but their shelters are often at capacity and lack funding.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
The research from McCrindle shows 96% of Australians agree that a way has to be found to keep owners and pets together and that 95% thought a pet-inclusive option may help people seek support earlier during a crisis.
It says pet safety has been identified as a critical barrier to many people leaving domestic/family violence situations or seek medical treatment due to concern over their pet’s safety and care.
To read more about the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, click here to visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase.
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