New laws to tackle dodgy dog breeding
PET shops will be banned from selling designer puppies and hobby breeders will face tougher restrictions to sell online, as part of a new animal welfare crackdown in Victoria.
The latest legislation to shutdown puppy farms and force drastic change across the industry by 2020, will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament today.
The maximum number of animals owned by a commercial breeder will be slashed from 150 to 50 and all large operators will require ministerial consent and regular inspections.
Mum and dad producers with three or more animals will also face tougher restrictions including becoming a member of a registered organisation such as DOGS Victoria. Any breeder advertising puppies and kittens for sale online will also be required to sign-up to a new statewide register.
The proposal is designed to stamp out dodgy backyard operators who are flouting the rules and keeping animals in abhorrent conditions.
If passed, potential buyers will also be targeted with an advertising campaign to stop unsuspecting owners from fuelling black market trade.
The latest move comes after the Labor Governments’ election promise to overhaul puppy farms was controversially aborted last year.
Breeders had rallied against the proposed law — which included limiting the number of breeding animals to 10 — saying it was a “dog’s breakfast’’ and would decimate the industry. After going back to the drawing board, Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said she was confident the new amendments would be supported in Victoria.
“We’re getting it done and ending cruel and barbaric puppy farming,” Ms Pulford said.
Current commercial breeders will be required to reduce their total number for dogs to 50 by 2020, allowing them to downscale through attrition rather than destroying animals.