“Vote Fur Animals” RSPCA to target Victorian marginal seats in push for animal welfare reform

By Georgia Bennett-Murphy, 23 Aug 2018

The RSPCA said this morning that they plan to “target marginal seats” in a bid to put animal welfare firmly on the political agenda this Victorian state election.

CEO of the RSPCA, Dr Liz Walker, told Neil Mitchell on 3AW radio today they are “not interested in politics, just animal welfare”.

Dr Walker said they’re calling for “passionate people to join their Furry Army”.

According to furryarmy.org, the RSPCA has surveyed voters and sees the 4 key priorities as “reuniting registered lost pets with their owners directly, mandatory desexing/codes and a legal duty of care for animals”.

Dr Walker said if legislated the proposals could help reduce the numbers of dogs in pounds, as well as lessen “nuisance, fighting, injuries to domestic animals.”

The RSPCA did not give any costings for these proposals.

It appears the campaign has taken authorities by surprise, with a number yet to form positions on the matter. Daniel Ngyuen, Mayor of City of Yarra, was contacted but could not comment at this stage. Anthony Carbines MP, who holds the marginal seat of Ivanhoe (ALP 3.4%) also didn’t respond.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital, which is active on animal welfare issues, said it didn’t wish to comment on the “Furry Army” proposals at this stage.