Media & Government Legislation Committee

Committee Contacts

Chair

Mrs Lynette Brown
P. 0407 229 156
E. proexport@bigpond.com

Members

• Miss Deirdre Crofts

• Mr Hugh Gent OAM

• Ms Voula Manos

• Ms Karen Hedberg BVSc

• Mr Brian Crump

• Ms Judith Woolley

• Mr Malcolm McDonald

Have you been Audited by the RSPCA?

The DOGS NSW Media & Government Legislation Committee is calling for those members who have been audited by the RSPCA.  If you have experienced this process, it would be appreciated if you could please forward your name and member number details only to the Committee via email to Deirdre Crofts at dcrofts@dogsnsw.org.au or Lisa Hadley at lhadley@dogsnsw.org.au.

Please be assured that DOGS NSW is working emphatically to assist its members to deal with the issues that have arisen as a result of the DPI/RSPCA Breeder Compliance Audits.  The Media & Government Legislation Committee is correlating a list of DOGS NSW members who have been audited in an attempt to prove to the DPI and the RSPCA that these breeders are hobby breeders, that breed very few litters per year, and not animal traders and, therefore, should be exempt from the current Breeder Compliance Audit regime.

DOGS NSW "Hobby Breeder" Definition

1. Is a member of DOGS NSW or another recognised organisation.

2. If a member of DOGS NSW, they must not breed unless they hold a current Breeders Prefix under the rules and regulations of DOGS NSW and:

   • Abide fully by the DOGS NSW Code of Ethics.

   • Not breed any litters that are not registered with DOGS NSW.

   • Agree to an inspection of their premises by a DOGS NSW Welfare Officer.

3. Must not breed a bitch more than six times throughout her lifetime.

4. Must not breed a bitch over eight years of age unless approved by a registered veterinarian.

5. Must not breed a bitch more than twice within an 18-month period.

6. Must not breed a bitch under 12 months of age, or under 18 months of age for giant breeds.

7. Ensure all puppies are microchipped and registered with the NSW Companion Animals Register in accordance with NSW legislation.

8. Abide by the published Veterinary Standards for Preventative Disease Protocols.

Important: The definition of Animal Trade under Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act should be amended to exclude hobby breeders. This would ensure that inspectors are not empowered to enter the property of hobby breeders to carry out breeder compliance inspections intended for commercial breeding establishments, from which hobby breeders are exempt.

Features distinguishing DOGS NSW prefix holders from commercial breeders:-

To prevent or relieve the suffering of canines. DOGS NSW considers the Charity to be greatly significant and is directing the $1 puppy levy to the Charity to secure long-term benefits for DOGS NSW members as well as the general canine community in NSW.