Mandatory reporting and collection of key data is being introduced to improve transparency and promote responsible rehoming of animals in shelters and pounds.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced changes to the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds.
It will be compulsory for shelters and pounds to report a variety of data on the dogs and cats that come into their care including the number of animals euthanised, reclaimed, placed in foster care or rehomed.
If an animal is euthanised, the reasons will also need to be reported and Victoria will be the first state to make the data publicly available.
“These changes to the Code of Practice will be a positive step for our state, giving the community the confidence that Victoria’s much-loved cats and dogs are receiving the care they deserve,” Ms Thomas said.
The code already sets out minimum standards of care and record keeping for animals in shelters and pounds.
The data received will be used to better understand the volume of activity and challenges faced by shelters and pounds.
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