May 21, 2017
New laws designed to crack down on puppy farms will start this week, Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said on Sunday.
Mr Byrne, who was taking part in RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk, said the new laws will start on May 26 and will apply to anyone giving away, supplying, selling or advertising dogs born on or after that date.
“Many Queenslanders are concerned about the welfare of dogs and puppies being sold and supplied in our state,” Minister Byrne said.
“That’s why we promised this in opposition, and we have delivered on that promise.”
All new puppies will now need to have a breeder identification number, known as a Supply Number.
“We are urging people to only buy dogs with a valid Supply Number, whether they are searching for a dog at a pet shop, from a professional kennel, or through an advertisement,” Mr Byrne said.
“The supply number can then be used to find information about the breeder using the new online Queensland Dog Breeder Register.”
Mr Byrne said this was a major change for Queensland breeding.
“Previously there was no way to identify breeders,” he said.
“Now we will have a tool that we can build over time to address this gap and give people and family buying pets more information about the pet’s background so they know they are buying from a reputable breeder.”
The new laws will apply to regular and occasional breeders (including backyard litters), with the specific exceptions for some working dogs.
Registering for a Supply Number is quick, easy and free.
Breeders will need to log their details on the new Queensland Dog Breeder Register within 28 days of their puppies being born.
This requirement will start after the new legislation commences.
The State Government is also working closely with the RSPCA, Dogs Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to develop a new set of standards for the management and care of breeding dogs in Queensland.
Known as the Queensland Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Breeding Dogs and their Progeny, the new standards will be regulated under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and will be mandatory for all breeders of dogs in Queensland.
Any concerns about the welfare of animals in Queensland should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13-25-23 or the RSPCA on 1300-ANIMAL.
More information about the Queensland Dog Breeder Register is available online
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In 2011, a Wondai couple was convicted in the Kingaroy Magistrates Court of offences under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, including breaching a duty of care in relation to 246 dogs that were seized on September 9, 2009.
They were fined a total of $15,000 and ordered to pay $20,000 compensation. They were also prohibited from acquiring any dog for a year or more than three dogs for two years. No convictions were recorded.
The RSPCA was tasked with finding homes for the seized animals, some of whom were pregnant.
At the time, RSPCA spokesman Michael Beattie said the organisation ended up having to find homes for more than 450 animals.
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