The Tasmanian Greens today urged the community to spread some Christmas cheer to the many voiceless domestic animals, such as dogs trapped with puppy farms and those dependant on the ongoing viability of animal welfare shelters such as the Dogs Home.
Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said that community generosity over the festive season could make a real difference for many cats and dogs across Tasmania.
Ms O’Connor, who attended today’s Hobart protest against puppy farms, also reiterated that a great Christmas present for the animals and the shelters would be for the Primary Industries Minister, Bryan Green, to commit to acting on unregulated puppy farms, and the introduction of a small levy on pet registrations to assist the funding crisis facing the Dogs Home of Tasmania.
“This Christmas lets all spare a thought for those many voiceless, lost and abandoned domestic animals reliant on safety and shelter provided by the many non-profit animal welfare organisations across the state,” Ms O’Connor said.
“A donation to animal welfare organisations such as the Dogs Home, the RSPACA, the Hobart Cat Shelter, and so many others, could make a huge difference this Christmas.”
“Another important action many can take this Christmas is to think very hard about the long-term responsibilities associated with giving a kitten or puppy as a gift.”
“Too often we see these welfare organisations buckle under the sudden post-Christmas influx of unwanted and abandoned ‘christmas presents’, through no fault of the puppy or kitten who have suddenly become ‘christmas collateral’.”
“Many of the puppies which face this sad fate, are products of the unregulated and cruel puppy farm operations, and were then bought on impulse.”
“A great Christmas present for our animals would be a clear commitment from the Primary Industries Minister to introduce stronger regulatory action against puppy farms, who are often backyard operators that treat dogs like puppy machines pumping out litter after litter to maximise profits.”
“The Greens are also urging the Minister to consider a levy on pet registrations to support animal shelters as one long term funding solution option,” Ms O’Connor said.
• Stop Tasmanian Animal Cruelty: International Petition to end Live Exports, HERE
