Premier

Labor Cracks Down On Puppy Farms

02 May 2015

The Andrews Labor Government will support the RSPCA with an additional $5 million over the next four years to clamp down on and prosecute illegal puppy farmers.

Delivering on a key election promise, Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, today confirmed the 2015-16 Victorian Budget will provide $5 million in grants to the RSPCA to establish a specialised flying squad of inspectors with increased powers to audit puppy farms.

The funds will also facilitate data collation, animal seizure, rehabilitation and care of animals seized from puppy farms.

The $5 million in additional resources is on top of the $1 million a year the RSPCA receives in ongoing support from the Labor Government.

We’re also progressing our comprehensive plan to crack down on puppy farms and protect breeding dogs and cats.

Consultation is already underway to strengthen the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses to require mandatory pre-mating vet checks and to limit breeding dogs to five litters, as well as amending legislation to restrict the number of breeding dogs in business to 10 by 2020.

Pet shops will also be limited to selling only dogs or cats supplied by registered animal shelters or pounds, while online sellers will be encouraged to work with government to ensure best practice and compliance with Victorian legislation.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford

"These additional resources will toughen up the RSPCA’s powers even further to better protect vulnerable breeding dogs and cats."

"We have a comprehensive plan to smash the puppy farm business model."

"Too many breeding dogs and cats are living in misery, and too many animals are losing their lives – our plan aims to put a stop to it."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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