RSPCA WA
RSPCA WA has welcomed the awarding of the PetsWA system contract as a vital next step in implementing Stop Puppy Farming laws.
The establishment of an online centralised registration system, replacing the existing 159 local government systems, will help to identify cases of puppy farming.
RSPCA WA worked closely with the State Government on the Stop Puppy Farming Laws and the requirements of the registration system which will launch in 2025.
Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver said the centralised system will give RSPCA WA inspectors greater oversight of breeding practices in WA and improved traceability of the dogs they are dealing with.
"The system will assist RSPCA inspectors and the broader community in identifying cases of puppy farming to ideally put a stop to the cruel practice," she said.
"Puppy farming comes with a plethora of welfare concerns including dogs and puppies not being able to access basic needs like food and water, overcrowding, lack of socialisation with people and other dogs, and lack of proper vet care. The breeding practices also pose major welfare concerns for mother dogs with many being bred too young and for too long.
"It is encouraging to hear work to finalise regulations and guidelines to fully enact the Stop Puppy Farming reforms are expected to take effect before the PetsWA system goes live.
"Nationally, the RSPCA receives over 125,000 animals every year, and many of these unwanted animals are the result of unplanned breeding. In 2023, around 500 calls to the RSPCA WA Cruelty Hotline involved puppies –nearly 1,800 puppies in total.
"Since 1 May, RSPCA WA has seen 86 puppies through its shelter which includes a large litter of 13 puppies and their mother. Five of these puppies are still undergoing vet care several weeks after arriving at the shelter."
The Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021 includes important checks and balances to end irresponsible and indiscriminate dog breeding. The four key pillars to this legislation will have a big impact on the number of unwanted dogs and puppies in WA each year:
- Dogs are to be de-sexed, unless they are exempt, to prevent unplanned breeding or overbreeding.
- People who wish to breed from their dog will need to register, allowing all breeders to be traced.
- Information on dogs (and cats) to be held in a centralised registration system to allow information to be readily shared across the State.
- Pet shops that sell dogs will only be permitted to source their dogs from bona fide, approved rescue groups and shelters in WA.
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