The Tasmanian Government is seeking feedback on potential reforms to strengthen dog regulations following the closure of the state’s largest puppy farm.
Minister Jane Howlett said possible areas for change include breeding caps, earlier microchipping and standards for housing, sleeping and containment.
“I am committed to implementing sensible reforms to prevent over breeding, improve traceability and welfare for all dogs in Tasmania, including companion dogs, greyhounds and working dogs,” she said.
“I will introduce any regulatory and legislative changes as soon as possible after consultation feedback has been considered.”
The proposed reforms have been developed with the RSPCA and TasRacing, plus stakeholders including TasFarmers and Dogs Tasmania.
“The Discussion Paper which is now open for feedback will provide the basis for important conversations in our community, backed by sound scientific practice and research,” Howlett said.
RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins welcomed the discussion paper, saying it is a “critical and welcome step towards fixing Tasmania’s broken laws”.
“Our current laws allowed Tasmanian Labradoodles to operate as a puppy farm with hundreds of dogs born into poor health and horrific conditions,” Dawkins said.
“This was an appalling chapter in animal welfare for Tasmania and we cannot ever let this happen again.”
Greens Animal Justice spokesperson Cassy O’Connor said now is the “perfect opportunity” to ban puppy farms in the state.
“Tasmanians from all walks of life were confronted by the terrible treatment of dogs that was occurring at Tasmanian Labradoodles,” she said.
“This breeder was finally shut down after years of complaints and concerns, but other puppy farms continue to operate across the state.”
“The evidence is clear. Intensive commercial breeding of dogs leads to mistreatment, neglect and cruelty.”
