Thursday, 20 June 2024

Northern Victoria Region

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:47): (956) My constituency question is for the Minister for Agriculture. One of my constituents has contacted me pleading for assistance with the overwhelming number of animals in need of rescue in the Wangaratta and Wodonga area. Since the RSPCA was forced to close its doors in Wangaratta last year, after the Rural City of Wangaratta refused to renew its contract, unwanted, abused and injured animals have had no place to seek refuge, and the responsibility has been borne by locals with no choice but to use their own money, resources and time to help these dogs, cats and small animals. But they cannot keep up with the sheer volume of animals in need of rescue in the region without a local shelter to offer this care. Will the minister support local residents of Wangaratta in their efforts to rescue animals by providing a new centre for their care and rehoming?