Dogs NSW, the peak body for all purebred dogs in New South Wales, has submitted an extensive response to the proposed revision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Breeding Dogs and Cats) Standards 2017 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation 2012. “Dogs NSW supports the government’s initiative to ensure the welfare of all puppies bred in NSW, as well as the revision of the POCTA Standards and Guidelines to ensure that substandard puppy farms are eliminated, and intensive commercial breeding facilities are regulated appropriately. But we do not want responsible hobby breeding to be harmed in any way,” said Brian Crump, spokesperson for Dogs NSW. With more than 9,000 members of pedigree breeders and dog owners, Dogs NSW is a globally-recognised peak body that promotes breeding, showing, trialling, obedience and other canine-related activities, and the ownership of temperamentally and physically sound purebred dogs - registered with the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) – in NSW. Dogs NSW’s submission follows a lengthy consultation with members, including a meeting live-streamed online on December 18 to an audience of 22,000 dog lovers from across the country. Dogs NSW’s proposal encourages responsible breeding “Dogs NSW’s re-draft of the POCTA Standards and Guidelines will allow for successful regulation of intensive commercial breeding facilities whilst not imposing punitive restrictions on small-scale hobby breeders. Particularly those who - as members of Dogs NSW - are already regulated and accountable to the Dogs NSW Code of Ethics,” said Mr Crump. The Dogs NSW Code of Ethics has been in place for many years and is stringently enforced by Dogs NSW through its compliance and judicial regime, he added. Dogs NSW further seeks to distinguish between hobby breeding and intensive commercial breeding where more than ten breeding bitches are involved “We strongly believe that, should the Standards and Guidelines be introduced, small scale Dogs NSW breeders will be unable to meet the exhaustive commercial requirements, thus pushing the breeding of dogs and cats directly towards the large commercial enterprises,” said Mr Crump. “The likely impacts would include a reduction of pedigree breeds, the demise of Dogs NSW flagship events and sports and compliance monitoring by Dogs NSW and welfare standards would be negatively impacted.” Dogs NSW breeders make a positive difference in society by supplying puppies to organisations such as NSW Police, Assistance Dogs Australia and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. “We hope the Minister (The Hon Niall Blair MLC) will recognise the very special position that Dogs NSW breeders hold in the community with their ongoing health testing and ability to breed dogs fit for purpose (ie working dogs, assistance dogs),” said Mr Crump. “We look further to discussing how we may assist the Government in their commendable efforts to ensure improved health and welfare for all canines in NSW.” Dogs NSW urges members and all dog lovers to contact their local member of Parliament and raise their concerns about the profound impact these Standards will have on the future of purebred dogs in NSW. Dogs NSW’s response submission to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Breeding dogs and cats) Standards 2017 Draft document is available on www.dogsnsw.org.au
About Dogs NSW Dogs NSW is the peak body in New South Wales responsible for promoting breeding, showing, trialling, obedience, and other canine-related activities and the ownership of temperamentally and physically sound purebred dogs across NSW. The association promotes responsible dog breeding, showing, obedience, agility, working and sporting dog trials and other canine-related activities, as well as the ownership of temperamentally and physically sound purebred dogs by individuals in NSW. Dogs NSW has over 9,000 members, with over 300 affiliated breed and kennel clubs throughout NSW. More than 50 of these affiliated clubs conduct dog training classes as a community service in local government areas, normally on a weekly basis. Dogs NSW is a member body of the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). To discover more, visit www.dogsnsw.org.au