THE state government has fast-tracked puppy farm changes to protect vulnerable animals.
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Agriculture Minister and Ballarat MP Jaala Pulford announced the Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Act 2014 changes on Sunday.
They include placing greater onus on domestic animal businesses to register breeding dogs and cats with an applicable organisation or council; giving councils greater flexibility to issue lifelong animal identification; requiring councils to refuse registration or re-registration if a person who owns or conducts a domestic animal business has been found guilty of animal cruelty in the past 10 years; and giving councils greater power to seize animals.
The previous Liberal government had slated the changes to start on July 1, but Ms Pulford said it had been brought forward so domestic dogs and cats could benefit from stronger protection sooner.
It also means the changes coincide with the registration period for dogs, cats and domestic animal businesses with local councils.
Ms Pulford said further changes requiring pet shop owners to make and keep records in relation to every cat or dog sold were scheduled for July 1.
“The Andrews Labor government takes animal welfare seriously – that’s why we’ve fast-tracked these changes so breeding dogs and cats can benefit from greater protection sooner,” she said.
“Our plan to crack down on puppy farms will make the laws stronger, saving breeding dogs and cats from a lifetime of misery.”
The RSPCA will also get tougher inspectorate powers, including puppy farms limiting breeding dogs to five litters, reinstating mandatory breeding vet checks, and requiring pet stores to only sell puppies supplied by a registered breeder or animal shelter.
