WA Labor to back world-class guide dog breeding and training program

• Guide Dogs WA’s breeding and cadet training program to expand with $5 million investment under a re-elected Cook Labor Government
• Guide and assistance dogs empower people with low or no vision, and those living with disabilities to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion
• WA Labor will also invest $2 million in continuing the Cook Government’s Animal Welfare Grant Program to support companion animals and wildlife initiatives

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will provide a further $5 million to support Guide Dogs WA to continue and expand its program that locally breeds and trains life-changing assistance dogs for Western Australians.

Guide Dogs WA is the only State-based organisation that breeds, raises and trains guide, autism assistance, therapy, companion and facility dogs to support the Western Australian community.

As well as assisting people living with low or no vision, the dogs provide support to individuals with autism, living with disabilities and those in the community experiencing trauma.

WA Labor’s commitment will enable Guide Dogs WA to continue and expand its world-class breeding and cadet training program, which was made possible by a $5 million grant from the WA Labor Government in 2021.

The funding has enabled Guide Dogs WA to set up and staff specialist breeding locations across WA to meet growing demand, which has resulted in the delivery of 145 dogs.

Under the program, the puppies undergo two years of socialisation, development and training before graduating to careers as guide and assistance dogs.

The funding also enabled the organisation to re-establish its Cadet Training Program to bolster the number of local, highly qualified dog trainers and Guide Dog Mobility Instructors in WA.

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will also invest a further $2 million to continue its Animal Welfare Grant Program for a further two years.

Since launching in 2021, the WA Labor Government has delivered more than $2 million in funding to 112 recipients from the Kimberley to the south coast.

The program supports not-for-profit initiatives throughout WA to foster and rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and provide subsidised animal health and veterinary services.

Grants of up to $50,000 will be provided to initiatives that support the welfare of companion animals and wildlife in Western Australia.

Veterinary clinics, universities and local governments that provide low-cost or free services in relation to desexing, microchipping and the provision of veterinary care can also apply.

Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:

“For more than 70 years, Guide Dogs WA has been dedicated to caring for, breeding and training assistance dogs that go on to have an incredible impact on the lives of so many Western Australians.

“These dogs play an important role in serving our community, not only providing invaluable assistance to people living with low or no vision, but supporting individuals with other disabilities, including autism, and those experiencing trauma.

“We are proud to make this commitment to support Guide Dogs WA with a further $5 million to continue this world-class breeding and cadet training program, so the organisation can meet growing demand in WA and continue changing lives.”