News and updates
New laws for dog breeders in NSW02-12-2025
What is changing?
The NSW government has introduced new laws to strengthen the welfare of dogs bred in NSW. These changes amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and the Companion Animals Act 1998 to ensure better standards, accountability and transparency in dog breeding activities. The new laws are being introduced in stages and apply to all dog breeders in NSW, including those with accidental litters.
Key dates:
From 21 November 2024
Restrictions on dog numbers. Cap of 20 non-desexed female adult dogs (i.e. over 6 months of age) on premises. Breeders with more than 20 have until 1 December 2025 to comply or have an approved exemption in place.
From 1 December 2025
• Exemption for certain breeders who had more than 20 female adult dogs (i.e over 6 months of age) on 24 October 2024, under certain conditions until 1 December 2035
• Mandatory breeder identification requirements
• Lifetime breeding cap for dogs and associated reporting requirements
• Minimum staff to dog ratio requirements
• ID requirements for the sale or transfer of dogs born on 1 December 2025.
From 1 December 2026
Breeders with an exemption to hold more than 20 non-desexed female adult dogs must not have more than 50.
From 1 December 2029
All breeders are required to comply with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats.
Please click here for the full information leaflet.
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