The RSPCA has challenged the second draft of the Victorian Rearing and Breeding Code of Practice for cats and dogs released last week, declaring it a broken promise by the state government.

The Joint Working Dogs Groups of Victoria and Australia had previously lobbied to strike out a series of proposals from the first draft, which would have increased restrictions on breeders. 

Items struck from the first draft included allowing euthanasia only by barbituate overdose performed by a vet; requiring establishments to have 24-hour access to a vet; banning breeding between second-generation related animals; and restricting the breeding age for dogs. 

Derrinallum farmer and kelpie breeder Zoe Crouch said the first version of the code of practice would have long-term negative effects on many breeds.

“If these laws were introduced then you will destroy bloodlines,” Mrs Crouch said. “That would be the result if you take away the ability to breed certain traits into working dogs.”

RSPCA chief executive officer Maria Mercurio said the second draft was a backflip by the government. 

“For whatever reason, (the government) decided to open up the consultation. 

“We suspect working dog owners and breeders have been in the government’s ears,” Ms Mercurio said.

The RSPCA took issue with the easing of euthanasia restrictions to any method as long as it is “humane”, and breeding dogs for much of their lives.

“It might mean the owners of these facilities can choose a method (of euthanasia) that they may consider humane,” Ms Mercurio said. 

“That might mean a dog is euthanased by gunshot or what is called in the code ‘blunt trauma’, ie being hit over the head.”

Mrs Crouch said she did not support euthanasing a dog with blunt trauma but said using a rifle shot to the brain was humane.

“That’s how we have to put down other animals on the farm. It is not always practical to take every animal in distress to the vet,” Mrs Crouch said. 

Further submissions on the code must be submitted to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries by Wednesday.

gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au