RSPCA Tasmania proposes nation leading reform

Puppy farms would be banned in Tasmania under changes proposed in the RSPCA’s submission to the State Government’s Improving Dog Welfare Outcomes in Tasmania Review.

The RSPCA is urging the Government to introduce of a maximum number of breeding bitches of 10 at any one facility and a maximum of four litters in a dog’s lifetime.

RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins said these changes, and others, would ensure that Tasmania had the strongest dog welfare standards in the country.

“This review is a generational opportunity for Tasmania to turn its broken laws and regulations into nation-leading standards of animal welfare,” Ms Dawkins said.

“We must do everything we can to ensure we do not see another Tasmanian Labradoodles puppy farm arise in Tasmania.

“As I said when we shut down Tasmanian Labradoodles, we must take action to ban puppy farms, introduce mandatory registration of breeders, and enforce a code of practice for breeders and facilities.

“The RSPCA’s submission outlines steps to achieve these and ensure Tasmania has the strongest laws in the country to improve the welfare outcomes for Tasmanian dogs.

“Currently, Tasmania does not have a limit on the number of breeding bitches at a facility. The RSPCA urges the Government to introduce a maximum of 10 at a facility.

“This would enforce a limit is appropriate to Tasmania’s size and is the strongest limit of any state or territory, ensuring we do not become a target for breeders from other jurisdictions.

“We’re also proposing setting a limit of four litters per female in their lifetime, a minimum breeding age of 18-months and maximum age of six years.

“Importantly, we’re also strongly urging the Government to mandate the registration of breeders and enforce a Code of Practice.

“This will ensure the RSPCA, Councils and Biosecurity Tasmania know exactly who breeding what and where to boost monitoring, compliance and inspections capabilities.

“It will also provide breeders with an identification number for identification at the point of sale, giving dog-owners a new level of scrutiny and comfort that they are buying from a reputable breeder.

“I want to thank Minister Jane Howlett for leading this opportunity to ban puppy farms in Tasmania and improve dog welfare outcomes in Tasmania.

“I also want to encourage Tasmanians to use the final days of the review process to have their say, and continue to engage in this chance to change Tasmania for the better.”

The RSPCA Tasmania submission is available here.