Breeder warns against cost of reform aimed at stopping backyard puppy farms
With South Australia's Government and Opposition each proposing their own plans to tighten the laws on animal breeders, a dog breeder has warned against increasing the cost burden on reputable operators.
The Opposition says it wants all breeders to be licensed and dogs and cats compulsorily vaccinated and microchipped.
Liberal frontbencher Michelle Lensink said the Opposition bill would target dodgy breeders and it stemmed from the recommendations of a parliamentary committee.
"We're looking at a range of things; an enforceable code of practice for people who breed animals, compulsory microchipping, desexing, compulsory vaccinations and a cooling-off period at point of sale," she said.
But Premier Jay Weatherill thinks the Liberals' plan to legislate is unnecessary.
"We've actually been the ones that have promoted reform in this area," he said.
"This is reform that was led by the Labor Party and we have a series of measures that we're going to be promoting to the South Australian Parliament," he said.
Breeder says strict regulations already exist
A dog breeder said the mandatory registration plan and associated costs would hamper legitimate breeders.
The Opposition wants breeders to pay an annual licence fee of $150 and ensure animals are sold with microchipping and vaccinations already complete.
Kerry Howlett breeds Bernese mountain dogs and said she already pays to be registered breeder through the organisation Dogs SA, which has strict regulations.
"It may stop some of the backyard breeders but they have to catch them first," she said.
"It's really only the people who are doing it legitimately and are doing all the right things who will end up paying for this in the long run, because the backyard breeders will get away with it."
Animal welfare shelter volunteer Kelly Hanniford thinks tightening the breeding regulations ultimately can help save animals' lives.
"Some animals sadly wouldn't have their life cut short because people would be doing what they're meant to do responsibly," she said.
The RSPCA too thinks licensing breeders can help stop backyard puppy farming.
"Breeder groups probably won't be happy about it, but at the end of the day if they're at all concerned about animal welfare they ought to be concerned about us taking out the bad breeders, the backyard breeders, the puppy farmers," spokesman Tim Vasudeva said.
