The Andrews Labor Government is providing free or low-cost pet desexing services to Victorians in need through a new round of animal welfare grants.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney today launched the third round of the Pet Desexing Grants, which is funded through the Labor Government’s Animal Welfare Fund (AWF).

The new round of grants will deliver $500,000 across eligible councils and not-for-profit organisations to deliver free or low-cost desexing programs for cats and dogs – greatly improving animal welfare outcomes and reducing the number of unwanted pets.

The latest round of funding will also provide support to organisations that rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses, with $330,000 allocated to Equine Rehabilitation Grants.

Since 2021, the Pet Desexing Grants have provided almost $1.1 million to 32 organisations across the state, while the AWF Grant program has awarded more than $8.2 million in funding to not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics.

The Government’s work to modernise the state’s animal care and protection laws to replace the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is progressing. Draft legislation will be released later in 2023, for further industry and community consultation.

In addition, the Government is working on reforms to improve pet rehoming outcomes, in response to recommendations from the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets.

Applications for Pet Desexing Grants and Equine Rehabilitation Grants are open until Wednesday, 7 June.

To find out more and to apply visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.