Preface

This code is designed for everyone involved in the business of breeding puppies for sale. By adhering to the code, people involved in this industry are demonstrating to the general community their concern for the welfare of the animals in their care.

Animal welfare can be thought of as the way an animal's health and well-being are affected by its interaction with its physical and social environments. Since humans can alter or control an animal's environment, animal welfare means that people have duties and responsibilities towards animals. The greater the level of interference with, or control of, an animal's environment, the greater our responsibilities.

The code is neither a complete manual on animal husbandry, nor a static document. It may be revised to take account of advances in the understanding of animal physiology and behaviour, technological changes, changing industry standards and the community's attitudes and expectations about the welfare of animals.

Compliance with the code does not remove the need to abide by the requirements of any other laws and regulations, such as local government or National Parks and Wildlife Service legislation.

The code has been prepared in consultation with the Royal New South Wales Canine Council, representing many of those involved in dog breeding, and is endorsed by the NSW Animal Welfare Advisory Council

1. Introduction

1.1    This code sets standards for the care and management of breeding dogs.

1.2    It applies to the welfare of all dogs kept for the purposes of breeding puppies.

1.3    In this code, a reference to 'dog kennels and housing' includes caravans, garages, carports, sheds, commercially sold dog kennels of any material, and any room forming part of a house, flat, apartment or town house used for human habitation.

The term 'dog' includes makes (dogs), females (bitches) and puppies of either sex.

2. Responsibilities of the owner or lessee

2.1 The owner/lessee of breeding dogs is responsible for:

(a)    provision of accommodation and equipment which suits the physical, behavioural and social requirements of the dogs held

(b)    the protection of dogs from people, other animals or adverse environmental conditions

(c)    provision of sufficient space for dogs to stand, move around freely, stretch fully and rest

(d)    provision of sufficient quantities of appropriate food and water to maintain good health and to support optimal growth and reproduction

(e)     protection of dogs as far as possible from disease, distress and injury

(f)     provision of prompt veterinary or other appropriate treatment in cases of illness or injury

(g)    maintenance of hygiene of the breeding premises and health of the dogs held

(h)    supervision of regular exercise, daily feeding, watering and inspection of dogs held to ensure their well-being

(i)      supervision of staff, whether working full or part-time and whether or not working for fee or reward

(j)    collation and maintenance of relevant records.

3. Animal housing

3.1     Location

3.1.1     Buildings which house breeding dogs should be located away from sources of excessive noise or pollution that could cause injury or stress to animals.

3.1.2     Breeding kennels must have an adequate water supply.

3.2 Construction

3.2.1     Where kennel, buildings/housing are constructed outdoors, they must:

• protect from rain and wind

• provide adequate shade

• be partially enclosed to provide a sheltered sleeping area.

3.2.2     Where dog housing is constructed indoors, temperature, humidity and ventilation must be considered.

3.2.3    Kennel housing may be separated by either solid partitions, which help reduce noise, or by galvanised mesh or chain wire dividers. Advice should be sought on suitable construction materials for reducing noise and fighting injuries between kennels.

3.2.4     The internal surfaces of any housing should be constructed of impervious, solid, washable materials. Wall/floor junctions should be sealed to facilitate cleaning and disinfection.

3.2.5     Floors of kennels should be made of an impervious material to assist cleaning and drainage. Sealed concrete is ideal or sealed brick may be acceptable. Grassed or landscaped sections may form part of large outdoor runs but must be adequately maintained and not allowed to deteriorate into bare earth, which is unacceptable.

3.2.6    Whelping bitches must be provided with a separate area away from interference by other animals.

3.3     Size

3.3.1     Dog housing, whether for a single dog or for a group of dogs must provide enough space for each dog to feed, sleep, sit, stand, lie with limbs extended, stretch and move about, and sufficient space for bedding as required by Paragraph 3.8. Portable crates are not acceptable as permanent housing.

3.3.2     Dog kennels and housing should be of sufficient height to permit easy cleaning.

3.4     Temperature

3.4.1     Dogs must be protected from extremes of temperature and the environmental temperature must be controlled to minimise distress to animals.

3.4.2    Very old and very young dogs which are more sensitive than others to changes in temperature may require provision of heating or cooling.

3.5     Noise

3.5.1      Noise from barking dogs must be managed to comply with noise regulations and may be reduced using these methods:

• situating kennels so that they do not face each other

• limiting external stimulation, e.g. by partitioning between kennels or use of blinds

• holding dogs singly or in compatible pairs

3.6     Lighting

3.6.1    Lighting should be as close as possible, in duration and intensity, to natural conditions.

3.6.2    Sunlight is the preferred means of lighting, provided shaded areas are available.

3.6.3    Artificial light should be provided, where needed, to allow animal housing areas to be thoroughly cleaned and dogs to be checked.

3.7     Ventilation

Ventilation must be sufficient to avoid dampness and draughts, and minimise noxious odours without draughts.

3.8     Bedding

3.8.1     All kennels should be provided with a raised sleeping area and appropriate bedding.

3.8.2     Bedding provided for dogs must be changed frequently and kept clean and dry.

3.8.3     Whelping bitches must be provided with a suitable whelping box that is lined with clean bedding and cleaned as required but at least daily.

3.9     Security

3.9.1    Kennel buildings must be securely lockable.

3.9.2     Each individual kennel must be fitted with a secure closing device that cannot be opened by the dogs held.

3.9.3     Any security methods used must allow for ready access by staff to dogs and ready exit of staff and dogs from the premises in the event of an emergency.

3.9.4    Firefighting equipment must be readily available.

4. Hygiene

4.1     Cleaning and disinfection

4.1.1    Dog kennels, housing and exercise areas must be kept clean so that the comfort of animals can be maintained and disease controlled.

4.1.2    Faeces should be removed at least once daily.

4.1.3    Kennels and associated housing or exercise areas should be cleaned daily and disinfected at least once each week, before new dogs or puppies are introduced and after an outbreak of infectious disease.

4.1.4    Cleaning and disinfecting agents should be chosen on the basis of their suitability, safety and effectiveness. Care should be exercised when using phenol-based agents in conjunction with other disinfectants.

The manufacturer's instructions for the use of these agents should be followed, since too dilute a solution may be ineffective and too concentrated a solution may be toxic to dogs.

4.1.5    After cleaning, any housing or kennels should be left dry.

4.2 Pest Control

4.2.1    Pests, including fleas, ticks, flies, lice, mosquitoes and wild rodents, must be controlled.

4.2.2    Chemicals used for pest control should be registered under the Pesticides Act and used only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

4.2.3    Because dogs and humans may be adversely affected by pest control agents, expert advice should be sought before pest control operations are carried out.

4.3     Waste Disposal

4.3.1    Droppings, bedding, food wastes and animal bodies must be disposed of promptly and hygienically and in accordance with the requirements of the local government authority.

5. Management

5.1     Care of Animals

5.1.1    Dogs are to be protected from distress or injury caused by other animals, and from excessive handling or interference by prospective purchasers.

5.1.2    Appropriate records relating to the owner's/Lessee's dogs must be kept of:

• acquisition and disposal of dogs or puppies

• vaccination and worming treatments

• breeding

5.1.3    In relation to each dog held short-term for breeding but owned/leased by a person other than the management or staff, the following information must be recorded:

• the dog's name

• name, address and telephone number of its owner of lessee

• contact telephone number and address of owner (if different to the above) or the owner's nominee

• expected date of collection by owner

• details of medical and dietary requirements

• vaccination status

• heartworm infection status

• name and contact telephone number of a veterinarian who normally attends the animal.

5.1.4    Grooming should be kept to a minimum standard of care as required for that breed. Coats should not be left dirty, tangled or unkempt.

5.2     Staff

5.2.1    Staff should respect dogs and have experience in handling them. Formal training, such as a technical college qualification in animal care, is encouraged.

5.2.2    Staff should be aware of their responsibilities and be competent to carry them out.

6. Health care

6.1     Disease Prevention

6.1.1    For both resident dogs and dogs held short-term for breeding, annual vaccination against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus is required. Vaccination against kennel cough is recommended.

6.1.2    Programs for treatment of gastrointestinal worms must be in place and in accordance with veterinary advice.

6.1.3    Programs for heartworm prevention in dogs should be in place, where appropriate, and in accordance with veterinary advice.

6.1.4    A program for the control of fleas, both on the dogs and the environment, must be in place.

6.2     Health Checks

6.2.1    Each dog shall be checked at least once a day to monitor its health and well-being.

6.2.2    The person checking the dogs and puppies should note whether each dog or puppy:

• is eating

• is drinking

• is defecating

• is urinating

• is behaving normally

• is of normal appearance

• is able to move about freely

• has a normal coat

6.2.3    Any changes in health status should be reported promptly to the person in charge.

6.2.4    Dogs known or suspected to be suffering from an infectious disease should not be admitted to the establishment.

6.3     Veterinary Care

6.3.1    The person in charge should establish liaison with a veterinary surgeon who is able to attend to any dog or puppy in their care, especially at whelping times, and is also able to advise on disease prevention measures.

6.3.2    Veterinary attention must be sought for any dog/puppy showing any of the following conditions:

• runny nose

• runny, discharging or inflamed eyes

• repeated sneezing

• coughing

• vomiting

• severe diarrhoea, especially if bloodstained

• any diarrhoea in puppies

• lameness

• inability to stand or walk

• bleeding or swelling of body parts (other than the vulva of bitches on heat)

• weight loss

• no appetite

• apparent pain

• fits or staggering

• bloating of abdomen

• inability to urinate or defecate

• dystocia (difficulty during whelping)

6.4     Euthanasia

6.4.1    Where treatment to restore the health of an animal is impractical or unsuccessful, animals should be humanely destroyed (euthanised).

6.4.2    When the dog is owned/leased by a person other than the management or staff, permission from the animal's owner or nominee, preferably in writing, should be obtained.

6.4.3    Euthanasia should only be performed by a veterinarian.

7. Diet

7.1     Food

7.1.1    Dogs and puppies must receive appropriate, uncontaminated and nutritionally adequate food according to the accepted requirements for the species and breed.

The food should be in sufficient quantity and of appropriate composition to maintain:

• normal growth of puppies

• normal weight of adult dogs

• the requirements of pregnancy and lactation.

7.1.2 A variety of foods, including dry food, canned food, fresh meat and fish, should be supplied.

7.1.3 Pregnant and lactating bitches require approximately twice the amount of food required normally.

7.1.4 Puppies from 3-6 weeks of age should be fed 3-4 times daily.

7.1.5 Puppies from 6-12 weeks of age should be fed 2-3 times daily.

7.1.6 Puppies between 12 weeks and 8 months of age should be fed 1-2 times daily.

7.1.7 Pregnant and lactating bitches should be fed 2-3 times daily. Other adult dogs should be fed daily.

7.1.8 Food should be prepared hygienically and served in clean, unspillable containers.

7.1.9 Food should be stored appropriately, with dry food kept in a rodent-free place and fresh meat kept refrigerated.

7.1.10 Food containers should be preferably non-chewable and non-spillable. They must be readily accessible, positioned to avoid spillage or contamination by urine or faeces, and cleaned at least daily.

7.1.11 Uneaten food should be removed and disposed of promptly so that it does not spoil or attract vermin.

7.1.12 Sick animals should be fed in accordance with veterinary advice.

7.2    Water

7.2.1    Fresh water must be available at all times.

8. Exercise

8.1    Dogs must have the opportunity for exercise to:

(a)    allow them to urinate and defecate

(b)    give them contact with humans and, if appropriate, with other dogs

(c)    allow them to be checked over

(d)    let them stretch their limbs.

8.2    Dogs should be exercised sufficiently to maintain their health and fitness.

8.2    Exercise can be provided by:

(a)    allowing dogs access to an exercise area for a minimum of 30 minutes twice daily and/or

(b)    walking dogs on a lead for a minimum of 15 minutes twice daily

        Very active or old dogs may require more or less exercise than specified.

9. Transport

9.1    Dogs should be transported in the shortest practicable time. They must not be kept in parked vehicles in the sun or in hot weather unless adequate ventilation and shade is provided.

9.2    Any vehicle (including trailers) especially designed or regularly used for transporting animals should:

• protect dogs or puppies from injury·

• have non-slip floors - direct contact with metal flooring is to be avoided

• provide easy access and operator safety

• protect against extremes of temperature

• provide adequate ventilation

• protect against unauthorised release of animals

• be easy to clean and disinfect

9.3    All dogs or puppies sold should be boxed, crated or otherwise suitably restrained to ensure their security and protection if sent to the customer.

9.4    Food and water should be provided as required during long periods of transport.

9.5    Containers should be strong enough to withstand stacking and general handling and constructed to provide adequate ventilation and light.

9.6    The consignor and consignee should confirm departure and arrival time of dogs with the carrier. In the event of delays or cancellations it is the responsibility of the carrier to ensure the welfare of animals in transit.

9.7    Containers in which dogs/puppies are transported must be clearly labelled with the time and date of departure, name and address of the consignor and consignee and phone numbers for contacting them.

9.8    Transport by air should be in accordance with IATA guidelines.

9.9    For more detailed information about animal transport, refer to the companion publication in this series titled "The Care and Management of Animals by Companion Animal Transport Agencies."

10. Sale or rehousing of dogs and puppies

10.1    No puppy may be sold before it is 8 weeks of age.

10.2    No dog may be sold unless it has been vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus and is accompanied by a current vaccination certificate.

10.3    The purchaser of any puppy or dog should be handed at the time of sale, printed advice about the animal, including information on:

• general care, housing and management requirements

• appropriate diet

• responsibilities of dog ownership

• vaccination, desexing and registration, where appropriate

• identification

10.4    The adoption of a 'warranty' policy is strongly encouraged, and inclusion of the following features is recommended:

• active promotion of de-sexing where the animal is not required for breeding
• a cooling-off period, based for example on production of a veterinary certificate
• provision of information on any condition of the animal which might affect its future well-being.

11. Special requirements

11.1    Breeders will take responsible action to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases.

11.2    Where an hereditary disease is recognised in a breed and where there is a suitable screening procedure or test for that disease:

11.2.1 The owner of a stud dog should, before making the dog available for stud duty:

• have a current official evaluation or test result for the dog for such hereditary disease

• provide the official evaluation or test result to owners of bitches to be mated.

11.2.2 The owner of a bitch should, before mating her to a dog:

• have a current official evaluation or test result for the bitch for such hereditary disease

• provide the official evaluation or test result to the owner of the stud dog

• ensure that the proposed mating fits with the parameters of responsible action to reduce hereditary diseases within the breed.

11.3    Before any puppy or adult dog is sold the prospective owner should be advised that the breeder has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the animal is healthy.

11.4    Breeders who are Members of the Royal New South Wales Canine Council (RNSWCC) are also required to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the RNSWCC including the Code of Ethics and any Code of Practice or Procedure in force from time to time.

Originally published in October, 1996, by NSW Agriculture