Many rescue organisations and individual rescuers have contacted AJP & Georgie Purcell MP about the proposed Authorised Pet Rehoming Organisation (APRO) scheme and what it could mean for their lifesaving work.

There has been a lot of confusion and concern across the rescue sector. The Animal Justice Party wants to help clarify what is happening and make sure the voices of rescue groups are heard.

The Victorian Government is currently consulting on how the APRO scheme should operate in practice. This consultation is an important opportunity for rescuers, foster carers and supporters to help shape the final framework.

Why the APRO scheme is being proposed

The idea for an APRO framework comes out of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets, which examined concerns about high kill rates in some Victorian pounds and shelters, particularly for animals labelled as having behavioural issues.

For many years, rescue organisations have raised concerns that animals are sometimes killed instead of being offered to experienced foster-based rescue groups who could rehabilitate them in home environments.

One issue often raised by pounds and shelters is that they operate under a formal Code of Practice while many rescue groups do not. The lack of a formal regulatory framework has sometimes been used as a reason to refuse releasing animals to rescue organisations.

Work already done to protect rescue groups

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell has been closely involved in discussions about the APRO framework and has spent months speaking directly with rescue organisations and rehoming groups about their concerns.

In 2025, Georgie successfully secured amendments to the legislation that:

• Delayed the implementation of the APRO scheme so it would not be rushed and rescue organisations would have time to prepare if they choose to participate

• Explicitly defined the scheme as voluntary, ensuring that rescue groups are not forced to join

These amendments were important safeguards to ensure the rescue sector has time and flexibility as the framework is developed.

What the legislation actually did

Importantly, the legislation passed by Parliament last year does not set the detailed rules for the APRO scheme.

Instead, it simply creates a legal framework that allows authorised pet rehoming organisations to exist within the Domestic Animals Act.

The specific rules and requirements will be determined through regulations. These regulations will cover issues such as:

• Which groups can become APROs

• What standards and requirements apply

• What information or data may need to be reported

• How the scheme interacts with council processes and section 84Y agreements

• How the proposed Pet Rehoming Register may operate

The consultation currently underway is about shaping these details.

Why submissions from the rescue sector matter

Rescue groups have long called for a stronger voice when policies affecting their work are developed. This consultation is a chance to ensure that the final framework reflects the reality of rescue work.

It is particularly important that feedback highlights issues such as:

• Ensuring rescue groups can continue to take animals from pounds and shelters

• Avoiding unnecessary red tape for volunteer-run organisations

• Protecting privacy and sensible data reporting

• Supporting rescues with practical assistance rather than additional administrative burden

If only a small number of organisations participate, important concerns could be missed. Detailed submissions from volunteer-run rescues, foster networks and regional groups will help ensure the final system works for animals and the people who care for them.

How you can help

We strongly encourage:

Rescue organisations and foster networks
Complete the consultation survey in detail and share your practical experience.

Individual rescuers and foster carers
Provide feedback on issues such as 84Y agreements, administrative burden and privacy.

Supporters of rescue groups
Share the consultation with others in the rescue community and encourage participation.

Have your say before 16th March

This consultation is a critical opportunity to influence how the APRO scheme will operate.

If you are involved in rescue work, fostering or supporting rescue organisations, we strongly encourage you to take part and share your views.

Submit your feedback before the consultation closes (16th March) 

👉 Complete the consultation here: https://engage.vic.gov.au/authorised-pet-rehoming-organisation

The Animal Justice Party’s position

The Animal Justice Party will continue advocating for a system that:

• Protects and expands rescue groups’ ability to take animals from pounds and shelters

• Reduces killing of healthy and treatable animals

• Supports rescue organisations with funding and practical resources

• Collects meaningful information without overwhelming volunteers