Puppy farms to be stamped out
Published Saturday, 21 January, 2012 at 09:00 AM
Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Unscrupulous puppy farms will become a thing of the past under proposed new registration requirements for dog breeders.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said puppy farms are usually run on a large-scale in isolated areas away from scrutiny.
“These notorious operations generally have very poor conditions, sometimes with hundreds of dogs, and fail to meet any of the dogs' behavioural, social and physiological needs,” Mr Mulherin said.
“With the proposed new two-tiered breeder registration system we have developed, these unscrupulous puppy farms will be squeezed out of the market.
“The registration system involves mandatory registration for intensive dog breeders, regular monitoring, and voluntary registration for smaller scale breeders.
“In addition, all microchips will include the breeder’s information and specific details about the mother of each litter that is bred.
“This will allow authorities to more easily identify puppy farms and trace the origins of puppies.
“Registered breeders will need to display their breeder identification number at the point of sale and on advertisements.
“There will also be a public database of registered large-scale breeders allowing consumers to make an informed decision when purchasing an animal.
“We anticipate consumer demand to buy from registered breeders will force unregistered and unscrupulous puppy farm operations out of the market,” he said.
Dogs Queensland Spokesperson Mark Sheppard said they support the Government’s proposal.
"Dogs Queensland has been working very closely with the State Government for more than a year in an endeavour to resolve and appropriately manage so called Puppy Farmers,” Mr Sheppard said.
“Our organisation welcomes the release of the Government strategy and we are very pleased that the proposal is now available for public consultation.”
RSPCA CEO Mark Townend said the release of the dog breeder registration proposal is a welcome step forward by Government on this important animal welfare issue.
“The RSCPA strongly urges all interested parties to get involved in the consultation process and make a submission,” Mr Townend said.
Mr Mulherin said there are four options proposed in the draft Regulation of dog breeders, released today for consultation.
“I strongly encourage all interested community members to comment on the proposed new arrangements,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said in addition, dog breeder standards have been finalised following public consultation in October.
“I am pleased to release the final standards that will ensure dogs are bred in safe and healthy environments in Queensland,” he said.
“The new standards for dog breeding will be introduced under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
“Developed in consultation with the Canine Control Council Qld (trading as Dogs Queensland) and animal welfare agencies, the Standards will provide minimum mandatory requirements which apply to all dog breeders including dog management, breeding and rearing, health and wellbeing, housing and record keeping.”
The document will be out for consultation until the 5th March.
For more information about the proposed policy and to provide feedback visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Media: 3239 6530
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said puppy farms are usually run on a large-scale in isolated areas away from scrutiny.
“These notorious operations generally have very poor conditions, sometimes with hundreds of dogs, and fail to meet any of the dogs' behavioural, social and physiological needs,” Mr Mulherin said.
“With the proposed new two-tiered breeder registration system we have developed, these unscrupulous puppy farms will be squeezed out of the market.
“The registration system involves mandatory registration for intensive dog breeders, regular monitoring, and voluntary registration for smaller scale breeders.
“In addition, all microchips will include the breeder’s information and specific details about the mother of each litter that is bred.
“This will allow authorities to more easily identify puppy farms and trace the origins of puppies.
“Registered breeders will need to display their breeder identification number at the point of sale and on advertisements.
“There will also be a public database of registered large-scale breeders allowing consumers to make an informed decision when purchasing an animal.
“We anticipate consumer demand to buy from registered breeders will force unregistered and unscrupulous puppy farm operations out of the market,” he said.
Dogs Queensland Spokesperson Mark Sheppard said they support the Government’s proposal.
"Dogs Queensland has been working very closely with the State Government for more than a year in an endeavour to resolve and appropriately manage so called Puppy Farmers,” Mr Sheppard said.
“Our organisation welcomes the release of the Government strategy and we are very pleased that the proposal is now available for public consultation.”
RSPCA CEO Mark Townend said the release of the dog breeder registration proposal is a welcome step forward by Government on this important animal welfare issue.
“The RSCPA strongly urges all interested parties to get involved in the consultation process and make a submission,” Mr Townend said.
Mr Mulherin said there are four options proposed in the draft Regulation of dog breeders, released today for consultation.
“I strongly encourage all interested community members to comment on the proposed new arrangements,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said in addition, dog breeder standards have been finalised following public consultation in October.
“I am pleased to release the final standards that will ensure dogs are bred in safe and healthy environments in Queensland,” he said.
“The new standards for dog breeding will be introduced under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
“Developed in consultation with the Canine Control Council Qld (trading as Dogs Queensland) and animal welfare agencies, the Standards will provide minimum mandatory requirements which apply to all dog breeders including dog management, breeding and rearing, health and wellbeing, housing and record keeping.”
The document will be out for consultation until the 5th March.
For more information about the proposed policy and to provide feedback visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Media: 3239 6530