QUEENSLAND’S new free Dog Breeder Register is now live and set to tackle unethical puppy farms across the state.
Owners of any dog that has a litter is now required by law to register the puppies, news which is being cautiously welcomed by Stella Ware of All Breeds Canine Rescue (ABC Rescue) at Jimboomba.
“I think it’s a good thing. I hope it makes a big impact,” she said.
“I’ve registered us, because rescue services do have to be registered in order to adopt the dogs out.
“It doesn’t cost anything to register, it takes two minutes to go online, fill out the form and then you can legally move your dog on.”
Ms Ware said she hopes the register will make people think twice about buying dogs randomly.
“They have no idea of its history and I guess the registration means the people who are breeding the dogs are known, so they can be checked on just to make sure they are doing things ethically and have the best interests of the dogs in mind.
“As a rescue, our main goal is to take dogs into a safe environment and do what we can for them and then give them a happy home. It doesn’t really matter to us the circumstances of where it’s come from. We won’t be checking up on anyone who surrenders their dog.
“Pet shops can now only take dogs that are registered, so unless people actually register, they’re not going to be able to sell their dogs from pet shops and markets and social media, they won’t be able to move their puppies.”
A recent event for ABC Rescue raised much-needed funds, which go into veterinary care.
“It was fantastic, we actually managed to raise just shy of three thousand dollars,” Ms Ware said.
“We have just taken a little puppy into care – Bolt – who has heart and neurological issues and is possibly slightly blind and hard of hearing.
“We’re taking him to a specialist on Monday to see exactly what is going on for him. We like to give every single dog the best chance we can.”
Ending the suffering
Acting agriculture minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the register would help locate those who profit from cruel dog breeding factories.
“In opposition we said we would act to stop the suffering of dogs trapped in puppy farms,” he said.
“We are delivering on the promise we made to work with ethical breeders and animal welfare groups to help get rid of rogue operators.
“Every puppy born after today and offered for sale will require a supply number which will also be included in their microchip information. This will provide lifetime traceability of the origin of the dog.”
The government is urging all those seeking to acquire a puppy – either from a pet shop, a professional kennel, or through an advertisement, to make sure they only accept dogs with a supply number.
“The aim is to force those who profit from cruelty to either clean up their act or stop operating because Queenslanders want to know that their puppy has been bred with appropriate care in good conditions.”
Mr Lynham said over time the register would enable the authorities to trace breeders, inspect properties and ensure conditions meet acceptable animal welfare standards.
According to the minister, the new laws will apply to regular and occasional breeders (including backyard litters) with specific exemptions for some working dogs.
Anyone with a dog that has a litter should visit qdbr.daf.qld.gov.au or contact 13 25 23 to register free within 28 days of the puppies’ birth, even if it is an accidental litter and they intend to give the dogs away.
