Animals come in all shapes and sizes, and their needs can be just as varied. But what is universally true is that all animals – be they companion animals, farmed animals or wildlife – are sentient creatures that deserve to be treated humanely and with compassion. But due to a lack of funding from successive Governments, injured, abandoned and needy animals are reliant on dedicated volunteers for their survival.

Just as we all know we have a shared inheritance and responsibility to safeguard our natural environment, we also have a shared responsibility to protect the wellbeing of the animals with whom we share this earth.

It's time for the NSW Government to step up and acknowledge this responsibility and commit to fund and expand animal rescue, recovery and rehoming organisations caring for animals on the frontline every single day.

In the absence of Government leadership, funding, or an independent body responsible for the welfare of all animals, community members have stepped up to fill the gap. Their organisations provide dedicated, expert care to so many vulnerable animals including animal rescue, veterinary care and treatment, recovery and rehabilitation, rehoming, research, community engagement and education. These include wildlife hospitals, rescue and rehoming organisations, sanctuaries and more.

The 2019-20 bushfires killed nearly 3 billion animals, and the 2022 floods count many thousands more. As floods and bushfires become all the more frequent and intense, even more animals will find themselves in harm's way and in need of our support and care. The NSW Government must stop shirking its responsibilities and start supporting these charities and volunteer-run organisations to continue to do this vital work.

Email key Ministers responsible for animals, demanding that the NSW Labor Government commit to core funding for animal rescue, recovery, release and rehoming organisations.