RSPCA praised for help framing historic puppy farm legislation

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson joined dog owners on the Gold Coast today to thank the RSPCA for its help in framing historic legislation to stamp out puppy farms.

The Minister attended the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk in Southport and took the opportunity to praise the organisation and its supporters.

“On Thursday the Queensland Parliament passed legislation that has been hailed by dog lovers and animal welfare organisations for the role it will play to eliminate cruelty.

“The RSPCA has been invaluable in highlighting despicable practices and the unscrupulous actions of those who place profit above any health and welfare concerns for breeding dogs and their litters.

“The organisation has lobbied long and hard for decisive action and I am proud to say that the Palaszczuk Government has delivered.

“The RSPCA does a wonderful job all over Queensland looking after and protecting the welfare of all our animals no matter how big or small,” the Minister said.

Under the legislation all dog breeders, apart from genuine working dog breeders must register and include their breeder identification number (ID) on their dog’s microchip details and display their breeder ID at point of sale and supply.

This scheme will help identify unregistered breeders and will shut illegal puppy farmers out of the market.

Urging all dog lovers to ensure they bought puppies from registered breeders, Minister Donaldson further praised the RSPCA’s constant efforts to rescue and rehome animals that had suffered from ill-treatment.

Minister Donaldson said the Million Paws Walk event highlighted the fight against animal cruelty and raised funds to provide the essential care, veterinary treatment, food and shelter for more than the 15,000 dogs RSPCA Queensland cares for each year.

RSPCA Queensland chief executive officer Mark Townend said he was delighted the Minister attended the Gold Coast event.

“We thank the Minister for her great support and her recognition of the enormous contribution the RSPCA makes to the community,” he said.

“The Minister has shown she believes strongly in animal welfare and led the push for the new puppy farm legislation that should make a real difference in curtailing the activities of illegal activities.”

ENDS

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