THE ISSUES
Puppy farming is the indiscriminate, intensive breeding of dogs for commercial purposes with emphasis on production and profit where little or no consideration is given to the welfare of the animals. Dogs bred in these facilities often suffer numerous animal welfare concerns including overcrowding, confinement, unsanitary conditions and a lack of basic and veterinary care, resulting in disease, distress and even serious medical concerns.
WHY WE NEEDED CHANGE
Until this new legislation comes into force, it is almost impossible for us to locate puppy farms where adult ‘puppy-producing’ machines and their pups are not looked after properly. Such puppy farms go undetected and continue to breed and exploit dogs. The legislation requires all breeders to be registered, even someone with only one undesexed female dog. This means that we will be able to locate where pups have come from and follow up when necessary.
NEW LEGISLATION - WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
The Animal Management (Protecting Puppies) and Other Legislation Amendment bill was introduced to Parliament in February 2016. This means we are one step closer to ending puppy farms and the cruel exploitation of dogs in Queensland. The RSPCA sees this bill as a positive step as it means we will be able to locate the breeder of most pups born in Queensland through their identification number. Failure to register as a breeder and supply the relevant supply number of the dog will be an offence. We will be able to locate puppy farm operations more successfully and save thousands of puppies and their parents from a life of misery and cruelty. It also will provide some assurance to consumers about the legitimacy of the breeder.
IMPLEMENTING THE BILL
At the current time there is no set date for when this law will come into effect. Where we are now: The bill has gone through the parliamentary committee stage and been passed by the Queensland Government. It is now ready to become law. The legislation is state wide but the day to day implementation will be the responsibility of local councils.
WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE
Although the RSPCA views this bill as a step in the right direction, there is always room for greater change. At the current time breeding is governed at a state level and there is significant inconsistency between the laws in each state. Australia wide consistency with respect to state puppy farm laws would reduce instances of breeders being able to relocate or sell their puppies in another state to avoid more aggressive legislative requirements. We would also like this law to apply to cats.
