The Andrews Labor Government’s landmark reforms to stamp out cruel and barbaric puppy farming in Victoria and end the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops come into effect on Sunday.
From 1 July, pet shops will no longer be able to source and sell dogs or cats unless they are from a registered shelter, pound or voluntarily enrolled foster carer. In addition, breeding business will not be able to run or own a pet shop.
The Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Act 2017 passed Parliament in December last year, delivering on the Labor Government’s commitment to reform the dog breeding and pet shop industry in Victoria and better regulate the sale of dogs and cats.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 provided $4.3 million to deliver the reforms, including a new Pet Exchange Register that will allow all dogs and cats advertised for sale to be traced back to where they were bred – meaning Victorians will know where their pet came from.
The Pet Exchange Register will be launched mid-next year and will require all advertisements to contain source and microchip numbers.
The Labor Government has already prohibited registered breeding businesses with more than 10 fertile female dogs from acquiring any more, and from 10 April 2020, approved commercial dog breeders will be limited to a maximum of 50 fertile female dogs.
The Labor Government has also implemented Victoria’s first Animal Welfare Action Plan, established Animal Welfare Victoria and banned opera house nets, and has announced it will overhaul and strengthen Victoria’s 30-year old, outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We know how important animal welfare is to Victorians. Unlike the Liberals and Nationals, who are apologists for puppy farming and want these reforms wound back – we are ending it now.”
“These changes will break the chain between puppy farmers and pet shops, so we can stamp out puppy farms once and for all.”
“Victorians can now feel confident when purchasing from a pet shop that their new family member is not from a cruel or barbaric factory farm.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020