Media & Government Legislation Committee
Meets last Monday of every month.
Mission Statement
- To act at all times pursuant to the direction issued from time to time by DOGS NSW.
- To be proactive in relation to the public on all dog related matters.
Committee Contacts
Chair
Mrs Lyn Brand
P. 0418 242 956 - E. lynbrand1@bigpond.com
Member: Mr Hugh Gent OAM, P. 0458 465 124 - E. hughgent@bigpond.net.au
Member: Miss Deirdre Crofts - P. 0435 653 756 - E. officer@dogsnsw.org.au
Member: Mrs Kelly Lynch, P 0404 668 408 E. kelly@yellowfetch.com
Member: Ms Voula Manos- P. 0416 278 727 E. Voulamanos2@gmail.com
Member: Ms Maria Arnold - P 0404 039 177 E. maria@perfectpets.com.au
Have you been Audited by the RSPCA?
The DOGS NSW Media & Government Legislation Committee is calling for those members who have been audited by the RSPCA. If you have experienced this process, it would be appreciated if you could please forward your name and member number details only to the Committee via email to Deirdre Crofts at dcrofts@dogsnsw.org.au or Lisa Hadley at lhadley@dogsnsw.org.au.
Please be assured that DOGS NSW is working emphatically to assist its members to deal with the issues that have arisen as a result of the DPI/RSPCA Breeder Compliance Audits. The Media & Government Legislation Committee is correlating a list of DOGS NSW members who have been audited in an attempt to prove to the DPI and the RSPCA that these breeders are hobby breeders, that breed very few litters per year, and not animal traders and, therefore, should be exempt from the current Breeder Compliance Audit regime.
DOGS NSW "Hobby Breeder" Definition
1. Is a member of DOGS NSW or other recognised Organisation.
2. If a member of DOGS NSW, they must not breed unless they hold a current Breeders Prefix under the rules and regulations of DOGS NSW and:
• Shall abide fully by the Code of Ethics of DOGS NSW.
• Shall NOT breed any litters NOT registered with DOGS NSW.
• Shall agree to inspection of their premises by DOGS NSW Welfare Officer.
3. Shall NOT breed a bitch more than 6 times throughout her lifetime.
4. Shall NOT breed a bitch over eight years of age unless approved by a registered veterinarian.
5. Shall NOT breed a bitch more than twice in an eighteen-month period.
6. Shall NOT breed a bitch under 12 months of age or 18 months of age for giant breeds.
7. All puppies must be microchipped and registered with the NSW Companion Animals database in accordance with NSW State law.
8. Shall abide by the publicised Veterinary Standards for preventative Disease Protocols.
Importantly the definition of Animal Trade under Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act should be amended to exclude Hobby Breeders with the import and effect that Inspectors shall not be empowered to enter upon the property of Hobby Breeders to carry out Breeder Compliance Inspections of the nature applicable to commercial breeding establishments which are not exempt as Hobby Breeders.
Features distinguishing DOGS NSW prefix holders from commercial breeders:-
1. Enforced Code of Ethics
2. Mandatory Members Education Course
4. DOGS NSW is self- regulating, ie, Kennel inspections in accordance with our Code of Ethics
5. Independent Judiciary system adjudicating breaches
6. Continuous health testing programs partnering with ANKC Ltd
7. Breeding for improved health and conservation of Pure Bred Dogs
8. Weekly puppy classes at DOGS NSW
9. The full range of Dog sports
11. Royal NSW Canine Council Charity Ltd
To prevent or relieve the suffering of canines. DOGS NSW considers the Charity to be greatly significant and is directing the $1 puppy levy to the Charity to secure long-term benefits for DOGS NSW members as well as the general canine community in NSW.
Breeder Compliance Audits - Documents to Assist
@dogsnsw
