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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.