The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian pet rescue groups so more dogs and cats find their forever home.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney today announced Round 2 of the Victorian Government’s Individual Pet Rehoming Grants with $1.25 million in funding available to pet rescue organisations providing vital rehoming services.

Eligible organisations may apply to be reimbursed for $500 per dog and $200 per cat for some rehoming costs including: desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, the purchase of crates, bedding and leads, and training or rehabilitation.

The first round of the Individual Pet Rehoming Grants, in 2021-22, provided 464 grants that contributed to the rehoming costs of more than 4000 cats and 1400 dogs.

The grants recognise the significant role pets have in the lives of Victorians and encourage responsible pet ownership.

It comes as the Government continues to work on modernising the state’s animal care and protection laws, with Victorians encouraged to have their say on a plan for the new laws.

The Animal Care Plan, informed by previous industry and community consultation, explains what would change from how the current laws work.

Minimum care requirements for animals in the care and control of people would be set in Victorian law for the first time, which would enable earlier intervention to prevent cruelty before it happens.

A new category of cruelty offence would be introduced of intentional or reckless cruelty for the most serious types of cruelty, with significant penalties applying.

The feedback will inform the development of draft legislation to replace the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The public can read the plan for the new laws and provide feedback at engage.vic.gov.au until Sunday 16 October 2022.

For more information on Individual Pet Rehoming grants and to apply visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.