More consultation on breeder and pet shop standards in the pipeline

20 Feb 2018

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has committed to a further round of consultation on Standards and Guidelines for companion animal breeders and operators of pet shops.

The commitment has come as a 12-week stakeholder consultation period on the draft Standards and Guidelines for Breeding of Dogs and Cats, and Animals in Pet Shops, draws to a close.

NSW DPI Deputy Director General of Biosecurity and Food Safety, Dr Bruce Christie said the stakeholder response to the draft Standards and Guidelines reflects a broad range of views in relation to animal welfare.

“We know people feel passionately about achieving great animal welfare standards in this State and we are keen to ensure that our codes, regulations, legislation, standards and guidelines reflect the latest science and community standards,” Dr Christie said.

“In 2015, the Joint Select Committee on Companion Animals Breeding Practices in NSW found there is more work to do to ensure the welfare of animals across the state.

“By updating the existing breeding and pet shop codes with new Standards and Guidelines, we are responding to this need.

“We have received a large number of submissions through the first round of consultation and it will now take a number of months to properly consider each one. We understand stakeholders are anxious to have more answers, however we are committed to getting this right and don’t want to rush the process.”

NSW DPI will also prepare a consultation report, which will summarise the feedback received in submissions, to be published mid-year.

Dr Christie said all major stakeholders will be kept up to date as DPI work through the second round of consultation.

NSW DPI released the draft Standards and Guidelines for targeted consultation between 27 October 2017 and 5 February 2018.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson (02) 6391 3686 or 0429 780 655