Pet owners may face the difficult decision to rehome their beloved pet. Changes in personal circumstances may force the pet owner to consider new home alternatives.
So this prompts an important question, do animals have rights?
Definitely. Animals’ rights matter and should be properly legislated in every state to recognise them not as objects, or property, but as sentient beings. The ACT passed legislation to reflect the same in 2019. I know we can do better calling out to every state ensuring all animals are treated in good welfare and working towards simplifying legislation.
Mandating clear legislation across the country supports our judiciary system to confidently and accurately serve justice against perpetrators, whilst defending animal welfare. Many countries have recognised animals as sentient beings in law.
Recently, an abhorrent situation involving a rescue farm sanctuary located in Warragul came to light, where animals were received and left in cages as the organisation was overwhelmed. The organisation was unable to cope with the influx and improperly provided care. When officers entered the property, animals were found in cages.
These vulnerable animals relied on humans to be kind and to be cared for. Through no fault of their own, they were surrendered by their owners believing they would find them a new home.
Fortunately, the person responsible was brought before the magistrate receiving a fine and good behaviour bond. This situation raises serious questions.
Did the organisation call out for help from other rescue groups? Most are well connected offering guidance and support avoiding these types of situations. What are the core values of the organisation? Were pet owners falsely promised humane conditions upon surrender? Was the organisation a registered rescue group within the shire?
Pet owners cannot assume all rescue groups conduct their business virtuously, offering genuine care. Registered animal welfare charities should be scrutinised.
The other perspective is not to vilify the good work of foster carers, dedicated volunteers protecting animals for an organisation because of a few people not doing the right thing by the animals. The public’s perception can sour hesitating to donate money or goods. Raising funds, daily tasks feeding and cleaning, is an enormous task for these groups and any negative publicity negates what they are trying to achieve. Most groups are voluntarily administered.
Pet owner responsibility
Animals adopted from shelters, pound and rescue groups are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, eliminating unwanted litters and promoting good pet health. This is where problems begin. If you take on a pet, please ensure the above procedures.
Where do I start the rehoming process?
Ask family and friends.
Discuss with your vet intentions to rehome, open and honest conversations are crucial. They may or may not provide recommended rescue groups.
Reach out to your pet trainer.
Search pet rescue websites (details noted below). The sites provide great information in many areas of the industry.
Seek out negative comments if the group or individual has acted inappropriately towards animals.
Ask the local council pound for suggestions, remembering most groups communicate among the rescue network. Baw Baw Shire Council offers an adoption and rehoming service through its Municipal Animal Pound. Residents can contact them to discuss their individual circumstances.
Be honest with dog assessors at shelters and rescue groups. They may refuse if dogs are deemed aggressive or display unacceptable behaviour.
Rescue groups may be charity registered, not-for-profit, relying on private and government donations (website details noted below).
Ensure the rescue group is registered, legitimate and foster carers vetted. Would you surrender your children to anyone? Is the group ethical? Do they promote unacceptable ideology counteracting genuine animal welfare?
Animal shelters either private or council may be an option. Unfortunately, animals for various reasons are put to sleep. This can be confronting but is a reality. Some rescue groups dedicate their efforts accepting animals listed on the kill list, offering the animal a greater chance of life. They are placed in foster care preparing the animal for adoption.
Research the rehoming process, view the group’s website, and carefully read the fine print. An online application will be required to be completed, signed, and submitted. Be familiar with the process. Some resources to check out are:
- RSPCA (https://rspcavic.org/)
- Facebook page Aussies Against Animal Abuse
- Rescue Directory (www.petrescue.com.au)
- Australian Charities and not-for-profit commission (www.acnc.gov.au/for-charities)
Foster carers
Foster carers provide an important service. Animals are cared for in their home observing and learning the pet’s personality and temperament in preparation for adoption. They are an asset to any welfare organization.
Cat and dog carers residing in Baw Baw Shire can become a registered foster carer through the Voluntarily Enrolled Foster Carer (VEFC) scheme. Registering is not mandatory. When more than five animals are fostered, the carer must register their premises as a domestic animal business because they are classed as a shelter.
Animal Welfare Victoria are informed of all registered animal foster carers within the municipality.
Legislation
Animal welfare legislation is complicated (Alliance for Animals link below). Navigating our way to understand Baw Baw Shire’s authority, animal rescues and shelters must comply with the following acts and regulations: Domestic Animals Act 1994; Baw Baw Shire Community Local Law 2024; Baw Baw Planning Scheme; Local Government Act 1989 & Local Government Act 2020; and a proposed Bill in the Victorian Parliament, which would be the Domestic Animals Amendment Bill 2025.
To all pet owners, if you are facing economic challenges and unable to properly care for your pet, please seek help from friends, family, and neighbours. Most people are good human beings willing to help. Please do not dump animals in rural areas, instead, reach out to your local vet and genuine animal welfare groups for guidance.
Lastly, an acknowledgement to our exceptional professional vets providing animal care. Without your love and passion animals would be denied healthcare they deserve. Thank you Trafalgar and Newborough Vet Centres, Moe Veterinary Centre and beyond.
