RSPCA Victoria
Media Release
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria)
ACN 131 965 761
ABN 56 749 449 191
RSPCA Victoria welcomes a stronger commitment from the Labor party on animal
welfare issues
RSPCA Victoria has welcomed the announcement from the Labour Government that it will
address animal welfare issues with a formalised policy should the party hold power after the
upcoming election.
Ms. Maria Mercurio, Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA Victoria said that the RSPCA is positive
about the Labour Government bringing animal welfare issues to the forefront this election and
believes the policy to revise existing legislation will have a significant impact on animal welfare
in Victoria.
“Labor’s 2010 Election Animal Welfare Policy outlines some vast improvements to existing laws,
particularly those that govern the regulation and enforcement of companion animals, pet shops
and puppy factories. The RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations have campaigned for
change in many areas that a Brumby Government promises to address. While this is a fantastic
improvement in line with the views of many Victorians, there are some significant gaps we also
hope will be addressed, particularly with regard to Victorian specific issues such as duck
shooting and jumps racing.
“While Labor’s promise to update the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to reflect community
expectations may help in addressing animal welfare in these areas, both parties need to
formalise policies on these issues as progressive governments have in other Australian states. In
NSW jumps racing is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Three
enlightened state governments have banned duck shooting. If the Victorian government truly
wants to be seen as progressive and innovative it will align itself with other state governments
that have already shown leadership in these areas.
“RSPCA Victoria congratulates the Labor party on the introduction of this policy. The community
and the RSPCA would expect however, there will be a continual revision on all matters of animal
welfare from our next government.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Tim Pilgrim
RSPCA Victoria
Media Coordinator
P: 03 9224 2237
E: tpilgrim@rspcavic.org.au
NEWS 
