September 18, 2015
A State Government proposal to register dog breeders has been overwhelmingly supported by Queenslanders who responded to a survey.
About 95 per cent of the 8300 people who provided feedback on puppy farms in Queensland strongly supported compulsory registration for dog breeders in the State.
The State Government’s public consultation on puppy farming in Queensland closed on September 6.
Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the community had spoken and the vast majority agreed that new regulations were needed to safeguard puppies and breeding dogs in Queensland.
“After an initial review of the surveys a few key themes are emerging that will guide our strategy to end this cruel practice of over-breeding,” Mr Byrne said.
“In addition to the government’s proposed registration scheme for puppy farms, this includes support for breeder identification numbers to be inserted on dog’s microchips and to be displayed where dogs are sold.
“Key industry groups are being consulted and we will continue to involve them to ensure we develop the best regulatory scheme for protecting dogs in Queensland.
“As with any industry, there are those people that do the right thing and those that don’t.
“The regulations we will develop will focus on the approximate 100 large-scale puppy farms where profit is put above the welfare of puppies and breeding dogs.”
The State Government will now formulate options for consideration as a result of the feedback and look at any amendments to legislation that may be required to implement those changes.
- Related article: Have Your Say On ‘Puppy Farms’
