The NSW Government says more than 40,000 owners of rehomed cats and dogs have benefited from $1 million dollars worth of discounted pet registration fees, and local MP Dugald Saunders says residents should take advantage of the discount.
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The NSW Government introduced half-price pet registration fees for animals adopted from pounds and shelters in 2016 to encourage would-be pet owners to consider adopting homeless pets.
The discount was extended to include animals purchased from 95 rehoming organisations last year.
Mr Saunders said he encourages residents to adopt from a pound or rehoming organisation to provide a new forever home to a homeless cat or dog.
"Local councils, such as the Narromine Shire, Dubbo Regional and Mid-Western Regional councils, play an important role in caring for lost and surrendered animals in pounds and shelters," Mr Saunders said.
"I encourage people thinking of rescuing a pet to visit their nearest local council pound or rehoming organisation and meet their new furry best friend.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the registration discount is permanently available.
"I would encourage anyone thinking of welcoming a pet into their home, to consider adopting," Mrs Hancock said.
"As well as being wonderful new family members, rehoming abandoned cats and dogs has the added benefit of reducing the burden on animal pounds, shelters and rehoming organisations and, importantly, helps lower euthanasia rates.
"Animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League and Cat Protection Society, local councils with pounds and smaller rehoming organisations do a wonderful job finding surrendered cats and dogs new forever homes."
RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman said the organisation welcomed any initiative which promoted pet registration and adoptions.
"Adopted animals make wonderful new companions and our organisation does everything it can to find the right homes for the animals in our care," Mr Coleman said.