WA Labor to extend animal aid to Albany under $60m family and domestic violence prevention pledge

A foster care program for pets of families escaping domestic violence and an animal therapy program for children experiencing family violence will be expanded to Albany if WA Labor return to government at the State election.

Premier Mark McGowan unveiled a $60 million package to combat family and domestic violence, support survivors and break the cycle of abuse on Wednesday.

Under the plan, the Pets in Crisis and Building Animal Relationships with Kids programs, currently run by the RSPCA in Perth, will be expanded to Albany, Busselton and Bunbury.

The Pets in Crisis program provides temporary care for pets while their owners seek refuge or temporary accommodation after family and domestic violence.

The free service is available for all domestic pets for up to three months.

Building Animal Relationships with Kids uses animal-assisted therapy to help children interpret their feelings.

Mr McGowan also revealed plans for a new $29.5m Safe Home Safe Family package, including the launch of two new one-stop FDV hubs in metropolitan and regional WA. The location of the regional hub is yet to be decided.

The Safe Home Safe Family package would include a two-year trial of a rehousing pilot project to help up to 40 women and their children per year.