NSW Bill to strengthen puppy and dog welfare

The AVA acknowledges that the Puppy Farming Bill recently introduced to the NSW Parliament addresses longstanding concerns surrounding dog breeding practices, aligning with several recommendations previously made by the AVA in its submission to the 2022 NSW Inquiry into Puppy Farming. Specifically, the AVA supports the introduction of a Breeder Identification Number through the NSW Pet Registry, enhancing transparency and traceability within the sector. This aligns with the AVA's advocacy for a centralised breeder registration system. Additionally, the Bill’s penalties for non-compliance, which include substantial fines and potential imprisonment, are seen as necessary deterrents to safeguard animal welfare.

However, the AVA holds reservations about certain provisions. The introduction of a cap of 20 fertile female dogs per breeding premise is viewed as an arbitrary limit, as the AVA believes welfare is more dependent on the quality of care than the number of animals. Furthermore, while the litter limit of five natural or three caesarean births is a step toward preventing over-breeding, the AVA recommends that veterinary assessments consider breed-specific factors to ensure responsible breeding. The prescribed staff-to-dog ratio of one carer for every 20 adult dogs may also need more flexibility based on the type of breeding business, as a one-size-fits-all approach might not reflect the varied needs of different operations.

The AVA continues to advocate for breeding codes of practice that set standards on heritable defects and selective breeding. As the voice of the veterinary profession, the AVA also supported veterinary health management plans, public education initiatives, and enhanced inspection and enforcement mechanisms to ensure comprehensive animal welfare protections for inclusion in this Bill.