News and updates

From Friday 30 May 2025, dog breeders across NSW can apply for exemptions to new puppy farming regulations to ensure they comply with changes that will come into effect for existing breeders from 1 December 2025.

In November 2024 changes were made to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, and the Companion Animals Act 1998, which apply in stages to all breeders and occupiers of dog premises across NSW.

For a full overview of the changes – see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional development website.

The NSW Government has implemented several actions to support breeders and occupiers of dog premises across NSW through the legislative transition period.

Applications for an exemption to maximum cap of female adult dogs
The requirement limiting the maximum number of female adult dogs at any dog premises to 20, commenced on 21 November 2024. The new laws allow for breeders that had more than 20 female adult dogs on a premises at 24 October 2024 to keep up to this number until 1 December 2025.

From 1 December 2025 until 30 November 2035 a limited exemption will be available for certain breeders who had more than 20 female adult dogs on 24 October 2024, subject to additional conditions.

Breeders can apply for an exemption online at the Office of Local Government. A $550 fee is payable to process applications. Applications for an exemption opened on 30 May 2025 and will close on 13 July 2025.

If granted, the exemption period is for 10 years subject to certain conditions. For example, compliance with the Breeding Code, submitting an annual report and an audit every 2 years.

· Breeders with more than 50 female adult dogs who are granted an exemption must transition to 50 or less female adult dogs per dog premises by 1 December 2026.
· All exemption holders must have 20 or less female adult dogs on their premises by 1 December 2035 (when the exemptions will expire).

A timeline for the exemption application can be viewed by clicking here.

(i)    Where a Judge is contracted to judge the Starter Trick Dog Class, the maximum number of exhibits will be 50 per day.

(ii)    Where a Judge is contracted to judge the Novice Trick Dog Class, the maximum number of exhibits will be 50 per day.

(iii)    Where a Judge is contracted to judge the Intermediate Trick Dog Class, the maximum number of exhibits will be 40 per day.

(iv)    Where a Judge is contracted to judge the Advanced Trick Dog Class, the maximum number of exhibits will be 30 per day.

(v)    Where a Judge is contracted to judge multiple classes, the maximum number of exhibits will not exceed 40 per day.

(vi)    Where a Judge is contracted to judge at an evening test, the maximum number of exhibits will not exceed 30.

• FCI Application Form: Request to Turn a Reserve CACIB into a CACIB Show
• Procedure for Upgrade of a Reserve CACIB to a CACIB

(a)  Supply any dog to commercial dog wholesalers or retail pet dealers. (07/14)

Members are reminded of the requirement for exhibiting dogs in Neuter Classes, as follows:-

DOGS NSW Regulations Part II-Show, Section 6:  Classes for Exhibit at a Show, Clause 6.1:  Neuter Classes (Notes), Note (v), which reads:-

(i)    Only dogs or bitches registered with a Dogs Australia Member Body as a "neuter" on the Main Register shall be eligible to compete in either Class 15,16,17 or 18. (07/23)

Applications for Neuter Titles for dogs not registered as a “neuter” on the Dogs Australia Main Register prior to exhibiting in the Neuter Class will not be accepted by the DOGS NSW Office.

At its recent meeting, the Board resolved to amend DOGS NSW Regulations as follows:-

PART II-Show
Clause 10.4(e) – AMENDED
Lause 19.2 – AMENDED CLAUSES 19.2(b) & (d)
Clause 20.1B & C – NEW CLAUSES 20.1B(ix) & 20.1C(iv)

PART XI-Inquiries, Investigations & Appeals
Clause 7.1 - AMENDED
Clause 7.5 - AMENDED

PART XIII-Code of Ethics
Clause 10 - AMENDED
Clause 28(ii) – NEW DOT POINT 1

Dogs Australia have received confirmation from the Canadian Kennel Club that they now recognise the breed PUMI.

We have arranged for Regulations Part 9 Appendix A listing the ANKC Breeds not recognised by the Canadian Kennel Club to be updated with the removal of this breed from the listing.

Please see the press release from Dogs Australia regarding the requirements for registration for the Murray River Retriever.