Illegal puppy farms

Premier cracks down on illegal puppy farms

Premier Ted Baillieu announces the Victorian Coalition Government’s crackdown on illegal puppy farms at the Lost Dogs’ Home.Premier Ted Baillieu announced the Victorian Coalition Government's crackdown on illegal puppy farms, introducing tough new penalties, massive fines for cruelty, equipping the RSPCA with new policing and confiscation powers, seizing profits and assets of illegal puppy farms and establishing an Animal Welfare Fund.

"Legislation being introduced into Parliament this week will deliver on our election commitment to crack down on illegal puppy farms and ensure operators are held accountable for the welfare of animals in their care," Mr Baillieu said.

"We are not going to tolerate cruelty to animals and these are some of the strongest laws ever introduced to protect animals from abuse and neglect.

"I am appalled by the images I have seen of abused and helpless animals and we will be establishing a $1.6 million Animal Welfare Fund to assist organisations that provide care and treatment for these abused animals.

"The legislation will also make it illegal to sell or advertise the sale of puppies without a microchip identification number or notice, giving the community confidence that puppies sold are only from legitimate breeders," Mr Baillieu said.

The Coalition Government's crackdown includes:

• an increase in maximum penalties for puppy farms operating illegally, from $1,195 to $20,000;
• penalties of up to $30,000 for rogue operators that breach a Code of Practice;
• a ban on owning animals, of up to 10 years, for those found guilty of operating un-registered puppy farms or breaching a Code of Practice;
• the introduction of a new offence for breeding establishments that fail to provide a microchip number (or council domestic animal business registration number) in an advertisement for a dog or cat; and
• the potential seizure of profits, assets and property of illegal puppy farm operators.

"The Victorian Government has strongly opposed illegal puppy farm practices and these changes to the law will send a strong message to those who abuse animals that the Coalition Government will not tolerate rogue operators or animal abuse," Mr Baillieu said.

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Coalition urges tougher controls on puppy exports

The Victorian Coalition Government is calling on the Gillard Government to introduce tougher controls on the sale of puppies for export.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said he had written to his Federal counterpart Joe Ludwig asking him to investigate the practice.

"The sale of unregistered puppies overseas is a lucrative business with thousands exported each year to countries including Singapore, China, and the United States," Mr Walsh said.

"Last year there were 9303 dogs exported from Australia, 2910 in consignments of four or more.

"Unlike livestock, there are no minimum standards for the export of puppies.

"Although each dog must be inspected by a veterinarian, requirements for the export of dogs and puppies are instead set by the importing country.

"Consistent Australian standards need to be introduced so puppies are microchipped and are of a minimum age and weight before they leave the country.

The move comes as the Victorian Coalition Government introduces legislation into the Victorian Parliament today to crackdown on rogue puppy farm operators.

"We are changing the legislation to enforce higher animal welfare standards but the Gillard Government needs to do its bit to cut the supply chain for animals bred in illegal puppy farms," Mr Walsh said.

"The legislation we are introducing today includes stronger legislative penalties and gives the state the power to seize the proceeds of illegal puppy farm operations.

"We have also given RSPCA animal inspectors greater powers so they can enter puppy farm premises and inspect animals to ensure breeders are complying with the law.

"We are sending a very clear message that we will not tolerate establishments which breach animal welfare standards," Mr Walsh said.

Attached: Media releases

Baillieu cracks down on illegal puppy farms 84.80 Kb
Coalition urges tougher controls on puppy exports 56.91 Kb