Rohanna Mohr, the newly-announced Animal Justice Party (AJP) candidate for the seat of Sunbury, has reiterated calls for a local animal shelter to service Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.
AJP has put forward the former Victoria University site on Jacksons Hill as a suitable location
In a joint statement with Western Metropolitan Region candidate Meg Watkins, the pair said a new shelter would provide a “much-needed” local service, while creating jobs and promoting animal adoption in the area.
“As well as being essential for our pets, a shelter in Sunbury is a good thing for people too. With up to 48 per cent of women staying in violent homes because they’re concerned for their pets, we want to build a facility which can provide temporary care for animals caught up in domestic violence situations,” Ms Mohr said.
“With no end in sight to growth and development in Sunbury, we need to look to the future with solutions that are sustainable. Town planning must consider the needs of people, our environment and animals.”
The AJP candidates said abandoned or stray animals must endure a long journey as the nearest animal shelter was located “in the CBD”.
“A purpose-built shelter in Sunbury would allow owners to be reunited with their pets sooner, as well as reduce the burden on council resources,” Ms Mohr said.
Ms Watkins said the lack of shelters in the region signified a “real gap in animal care”.
“Victorians are animal lovers, and the community wants to see facilities like this one which not only benefit animals but people and the economy too,” she said.
