The State Government has made a commitment to stop puppy farming and regulate the breeding and sale of dogs in WA.
Puppy farming is defined as an intensive dog breeding facility that is operated under inadequate conditions that fail to meet the dogs' behavioural, social and/or physiological needs. Puppy farming can include small-scale, as well as large-scale
dog breeding operations.
Puppy farming can lead to extensive long-term health and behavioural issues in dogs.
The Government has proposed to introduce the following provisions to stop puppy farming:
- introduce mandatory dog de-sexing for non-breeding dogs
- introduce a centralised registration system to ensure every dog and puppy can be identified and traced
- introduce mandatory standards for dog breeding, housing, husbandry, transport and sale
- transition pet shops into adoption centres.
The proposals intend to contribute to a more regulated breeding industry and a reduction in the number of dogs needing rehoming and suffering neglect due to puppy farms.
Consultation
The department, in partnership with the local government sector and industry stakeholders, released a consultation paper on the proposals
in May 2018.
The department undertook consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and held community workshops across Western Australia.
Consultation on the proposals closed in August 2018.
The department received 4754 submissions from dog owners, dog breeders, dog trainers, local governments, pet shops, and rescue organisations.
The summary consultation report and consultation report provide
information on the overall feedback heard during feedback.