Puppy Farms Legislative progress Jade Norris, Scientific Officer RSPCA Australia

Puppy Farms Major RSPCA campaign to end puppy farming since end of 2009 For a number of years prior to this RSPCA Inspectorates have had direct experience rescuing animals from puppy farms. Run through legislative progress since 2009

Puppy farm definition A puppy farm (puppy factory/puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility that is operated under inadequate conditions that fail to meet the dogs' behavioural, social and/or physiological needs. Usually large-scale commercial operations, but inadequate conditions may also exist in small volume breeding establishments which may or may not be run for profit.

Puppy Farms

Puppy farms

Puppy Farms

Puppy farms In Australia current regulations for the breeding and sale of dogs are inadequate Various gaps exist (see National Regulation tables).

Regulation of breeding

Regulation of sale

Regulation of sale cont’d

Progress Since start of puppy farm campaign some legislative progress However, more work is urgently needed within individual states/territories National co-ordination to allow breeder traceability across state borders Export requirements

The Good news Tasmania AWAC planning Code for the breeding of dogs 1st July 2011 Mandatory to microchip dogs from 6 months of age

Victoria Domestic Animals Act reviewed New government advised they are committed to legislative change for the Spring session Increased powers to RSPCA Inspectorate to enforce the Domestic Animals Act, previously only enforceable by local government officers When a cruelty complaint is investigated and breaches of the Domestic Animals Act are evident, RSPCA Inspectors now have the power to act outside of POCTAA

COP for the Care and Management of Animals in the Pet Trade reviewed Public consultation phase Awaiting final draft of Code to be released by SA government South Australia

NT No changes apart from; a number of councils have made microchipping mandatory for dogs over 6 months of age There is no Domestic Animals Act in the NT there are local by-laws.

QLD Government announced Breeder ID system Scheme includes: Breeder ID compulsory microchipping of breeding bitch breeder ID no’s to be displayed at points of sale and in advertising ID of breeding bitch part of the microchip information on all her puppies development of Dog Breeder Standards under Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 Gold Coast Breeder Permit System (which Joy Verrinder just gave an update on).

ACT No regulatory changes Discussion paper "The Breeding and Sale of Companion Animals in the ACT“ September 2010 Enforceable COP under Animal Welfare Act 1992 Recent changes to Animal Welfare Act 1992 allow inclusion of mandatory enforceable components in codes Awaiting release by ACT government

NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Animals in Pet Shops Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding Dogs and Cats  Both enable enforcement of standards Difficulty - with no central register of breeders, RSPCA may not know where all breeding facilities are May not be sure animals kept in accordance with breeding standards Central register of breeders, breeder prefix and microchip number to be included in any advertisement and at sale or transfer

WA No changes Benefit from: –Compulsory microchipping –Kennel licence but no standards for breeding dogs

Australian National Kennel Council Microchipping compulsory for all registered pedigree dogs before registration of pup - nationally 1 st January 2012 Great step forward enables positive ID pedigree dogs drive compulsory microchipping for all puppies breeder traceability

Key points Regulations for breeding and sale inadequate Greater resources for monitoring and enforcement  enforcement model, co-regulatory approach  animal welfare inspectors (RSPCA or govt depts) and local govt animal management officers  Qld scheme, breeder code adopted under ACPA, registration under Animal Management (Dogs and Cats) Act National inconsistency – variations between states/territories

Key points 2 Lack of National co-ordination  breeder traceability across state borders Compulsory microchipping by breeder prior to sale or transfer with nationally co-ordinated microchip database Breeder registration/identification - breeder ID no. at any sale or transfer and in any advertisement National approach essential but state-based initiatives are also essential

Export Export requirements not sufficient to protect welfare Importing country sets requirements Regulations/enforcement need to be strengthened We need to know  where dogs have come from i.e. breeder and exporter identified, pups microchipped  where animals are going

Smart Puppy Buyer Guide Holistic approach  regulatory reform  public awareness, education

End Puppy Farming – The Way Forward RSPCA will continue to communicate key principles in Way Forward to key stakeholders  industry, breeders, governments policy makers at every available opportunity

Thanks!