In an effort to crack down on puppy farms and improve animal welfare, New South Wales (NSW) is set to introduce stricter regulations on dog breeding. The new laws, which will require breeders to register and limit the number of puppies they can produce, aim to reduce cruelty in large-scale breeding operations.
On Thursday, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty will present legislation to parliament, marking the first time breeders will be required to formally register for commercial breeding operations.
Under the new rules, female dogs will be limited to five natural litters or three cesarean litters before being retired from breeding. Additionally, breeders will only be allowed to have a maximum of 20 fertile female dogs per premises. A minimum ratio of one staff member for every 20 dogs must also be maintained to ensure proper care.
“With half of all households owning a dog, there is widespread concern about the welfare of these animals and the unethical practices of puppy farms,” said Ms. Moriarty.
The changes, set to take effect by the end of 2025, will allow breeders ample time to comply with the new registration requirements. Stephen Albin, chief executive of Animal Welfare NSW, emphasized that the new legislation will ease pressure on animal shelters, which have struggled to cope with a surge in dog breeding since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since COVID, we’ve seen an overwhelming number of dogs entering shelters, making it difficult to find new homes for surrendered or abandoned puppies,” Mr. Albin said. “This bill will help us manage that pressure and facilitate the rehoming process.”
This move follows earlier efforts by Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst, who introduced a bill aimed at banning puppy farms before the March 2023 election. Her campaign gained traction after Victoria introduced similar legislation in 2017, leading to a significant increase in applications for large-scale dog-breeding facilities in NSW, especially in border areas.
In addition to NSW’s plans, other Australian states have been taking steps to regulate dog breeding. Western Australia (WA) passed laws earlier this year, with a state-wide registration system for dogs and cats expected to roll out by 2025. South Australia is currently reviewing public feedback on proposals to tighten breeding regulations, while Queensland introduced a code of practice for breeders in 2022 and increased penalties for serious animal welfare breaches.
Related topics:
Corgi’s Quest for Attention at Dog Park Captures Hearts Online
Woody the Dog Switches Detection Skills to Save Puffins
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Here’s What Experts Say
