World-class veterinary facility opens in Queensland
Published Sunday, 01 June, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Queenslanders were today reminded of the importance of animal welfare as the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin officially opened the largest veterinary hospital in the southern hemisphere.
In opening the world-class hospital, Mr Mulherin said almost every Queenslander had some connection with animals.
“Australia’s level of pet ownership is one of the highest in the world with 63 per cent of households owning some kind of pet,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In 2005 Australians spent an estimate $4.62 billion on pet care and 20 per cent of this is spent in Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said as the quality of life in modern society increased, there was the expectation that animals - whether pets, pests or livestock - be treated humanely.
“There is the expectation they enjoy reasonable standards of animal welfare and don’t suffer unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable pain.
“Biosecurity Queensland ensures residents, visitors and those who buy Queensland animal products and services are confident animals in Queensland have appropriate standards of care and protection.
“It produces this confidence through its animal welfare program delivered by a team of specialist staff.”
Mr Mulherin said the program involved developing standards for the care and use of animals, and educating the community.
“Our Animal Welfare dog team, ‘Smiley’ the Labradoodle and his handler, spend time with primary school children across Queensland to spread the message about ‘Helping Animals Smile’.
“This is an important initiative to educate students on the importance of providing the basic needs of food, water and shelter to ensure animals are cared for responsibly.”
He said the school program was accompanied by DPI&Fs' ‘Help an Animal Smile’ website (www.dpi.qld.gov.au/animalwelfare).
“To promote dog welfare and safety when travelling in utility vehicles, the Dogs in Utes brochure also is now available.’’
Mr Mulherin said the opening of the new premises of Veterinary Specialist Services highlighted the importance of animal welfare.
“Veterinary Specialist Services is Queensland’s first 24 hour veterinary referral hospital providing specialist and veterinary referral services to Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
“Over the past seven years, it has grown to become the largest animal hospital in the southern hemisphere, and rivals human hospitals in the level of equipment and patient care.”
Media: 32396530, 0409 305 662
In opening the world-class hospital, Mr Mulherin said almost every Queenslander had some connection with animals.
“Australia’s level of pet ownership is one of the highest in the world with 63 per cent of households owning some kind of pet,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In 2005 Australians spent an estimate $4.62 billion on pet care and 20 per cent of this is spent in Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said as the quality of life in modern society increased, there was the expectation that animals - whether pets, pests or livestock - be treated humanely.
“There is the expectation they enjoy reasonable standards of animal welfare and don’t suffer unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable pain.
“Biosecurity Queensland ensures residents, visitors and those who buy Queensland animal products and services are confident animals in Queensland have appropriate standards of care and protection.
“It produces this confidence through its animal welfare program delivered by a team of specialist staff.”
Mr Mulherin said the program involved developing standards for the care and use of animals, and educating the community.
“Our Animal Welfare dog team, ‘Smiley’ the Labradoodle and his handler, spend time with primary school children across Queensland to spread the message about ‘Helping Animals Smile’.
“This is an important initiative to educate students on the importance of providing the basic needs of food, water and shelter to ensure animals are cared for responsibly.”
He said the school program was accompanied by DPI&Fs' ‘Help an Animal Smile’ website (www.dpi.qld.gov.au/animalwelfare).
“To promote dog welfare and safety when travelling in utility vehicles, the Dogs in Utes brochure also is now available.’’
Mr Mulherin said the opening of the new premises of Veterinary Specialist Services highlighted the importance of animal welfare.
“Veterinary Specialist Services is Queensland’s first 24 hour veterinary referral hospital providing specialist and veterinary referral services to Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
“Over the past seven years, it has grown to become the largest animal hospital in the southern hemisphere, and rivals human hospitals in the level of equipment and patient care.”
Media: 32396530, 0409 305 662