- Published:
- Tuesday 6 June 2017
The Andrews Labor Government today reaffirmed its commitment to reforming the dog and cat breeding and pet shop industries in Victoria.
The report of the Legislative Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s Inquiry into the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Bill 2016 tabled today makes it clear that the Bill is unlikely to pass the Parliament in its current form.
In its response to the inquiry, the Labor Government has reassessed the legislation to enable its election commitments to be delivered.
Just last week, the Labor Government renewed the Applicable Organisation (AO) status of five organisations for the next two years.
AOs must demonstrate sufficient improvement to their own codes of practice to have their status renewed and continue to enjoy the benefits that this special category brings for member breeders.
As at 30 April, the four cat breeder organisations and DOGS Victoria had demonstrated some, but not enough improvement.
Renewal was provided for a further two months to allow time for the Government to work with them to ensure their respective codes were in line with the Government’s breeding code.
DOGS Victoria, the Australian National Cats Inc, Cats Victoria Inc, Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Victoria Inc and Feline Control Council Victoria Inc. have worked with the Government to ensure that their codes of ethics and practices have been improved for the welfare, keeping, breeding and management of dogs and cats.
All AOs have now demonstrated that their members are operating at a standard acceptable to the Government and in line with the expectations of the Victorian community.
Reforms to pet breeding and selling in Victoria were an important commitment made in response to widespread community concern about the health and welfare of our beloved pets.
Amendments to the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Bill 2016 to be introduced after the winter recess will address issues raised during the inquiry.
The amended Bill will protect dogs from a lifetime of misery and ban the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops, breaking the business model of puppy farms.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
"We went to the last election promising to improve the way pets are bred and sold in this state, and we have been making good on that promise.”
“When Victorians take home a puppy or kitten, they should know their new family member has been reared by a breeder that values its welfare.”
“We’re not prepared to back the Liberal-National Coalition’s moves to keep puppy farming in Victoria.”