News and updates

A supported service to DOGS NSW Members

Please note the dates for Eye Certification Clinics conducted under AVA-ANKC Australian Canine Eye Scheme Rules, for the first half of 2021. Each monthly Eye Clinic will operate from the SECRETARIES HUT on DOGS NSW Grounds from 4.00pm to 7.00pm:

Thursday, 4 February
Thursday, 4 March
Thursday, 8 April
Thursday, 6 May
Thursday, 3 June
Thursday, 1 July

These dates are all confirmed, barring unforeseen circumstances that may necessitate a change, if so this will be advised in good time, depending on Meeting Room availability.

Usually we see LITTERS FIRST, aiming to minimise the exposure of any 8-week-old pups whose initial vaccination response status remains uncertain, to adult dogs coming in from different regions and kennelling situations. In those breeds where a once-only Gonioscopy Test is required (usually at 18-24 months, in addition to a current ACES Adult Exam), the Gonioscopy Test is charged as an addition to the ACES exam fee, depending on numbers.

There is a set Scale of Fees applicable at these Clinics – at reduced rates for all DOGS NSW Members, so long as they comply with my reasonable requests to have their paperwork in order and Microchip records readily available, also that their dogs are well disciplined and used to close handling. Fee details can be found on DOGS NSW Website (Members/News & Updates) and on Facebook: ACES Eye Clinic - DOGS NSW Members.

All ACES booking requests should be forwarded by Email to bfrob01@gmail.com and not to my mobile (as a recorded message or a text).
Once scheduling time comes around I need to have all requests in the same Email folder if I am to give each person the time required.

Breed Clubs please note: If your members support the idea of a stand-alone ACES Clinic (e.g. in conjunction with a Heart Clinic or approved DNA Test sample collection), separate arrangements may be agreed to, if YOU book the venue and organise the appointments.

For further information on ACES Eye Certification at Orchard Hills and also in regional areas from time to time, go to the Facebook Group page ACES Eye Clinic - Dogs NSW Members

Dr Bruce Robertson BVSc Cert.V.Ophthal (RCVS) FANZCVS (Ophthalmology)
Veterinary Eye Specialist (Sydney, ret.)

As you may be aware, in 2017 a French Bulldog Task Force was implemented by ANKC Ltd to deal with issues that arose regarding the registration of French & British Bulldogs on the Main Register whose colours did not comply with the ANKC Ltd Breed Standards for those breeds. A Press Release in relation to the ANKC Taskforce can be found via the following link:- Press Release - French Bulldogs Taskforce (ankc.org.au).

Since that time DOGS NSW Board of Directors has convened a Compliance Investigative Panel to oversee the conduct of inspection of all French & British Bulldogs, who are currently on the Main Register, at the time of registration of litters and/or transfer of ownership, where the pedigree of those Main Register dogs contain prefixes that have been identified as:-

a. Producing litters using dogs and bitches that carry genetic traits allowing progeny to be colours other than those approved for ANKC Ltd Main Register registration.
b. Having imported dogs/semen of non recognised ‘colours’ that do not comply with ANKC breed standard requirements.

For those breeders/owners whose dogs are required to be inspected and that reside in the Sydney Metropolitan area, the DOGS NSW Compliance Investigative Panel conduct inspections on the fourth Wednesday of the month between 3.00pm and 4.00pm at the DOGS NSW Complex (Secretary’s Hut), 44 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills NSW 2148.

For those breeders/owners who reside in Regional NSW, arrangements can be made for an approved Verifier to take photographs of the subject dog, confirm identification by microchip scanning and completion of the relevant Verification form. The photographs and Verification form are then submitted to the DOGS NSW Compliance Investigation Panel for determination of colour.

Further information in relation to the DOGS NSW Compliance Investigative Panel can be found on the DOGS NSW website by clicking here.

Members are advised that DOGS NSW grounds have sufficiently dried out since the recent flooding, and that the grounds have now been RE-OPENED to members and visitors.

The grounds are now open from 7.00am to 4.00pm daily.

DOGS NSW apologises for any inconvenience the recent ground closures are incurred.

Please be advised that due to the recent extreme weather conditions and flooding of grounds, the DOGS NSW Executive Committee has resolved as follows:

THAT the recommendation of the Chair of the Grounds Committee to close the DOGS NSW grounds this upcoming weekend, ie, Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 March 2021 be approved and that the relevant Clubs be advised accordingly.

Therefore, the Clubs that will be affected will be required to apply to the Show Committee for a change of date.

DOGS NSW apologises for any inconvenience this has caused. Further notice will be given via email, the DOGS NSW app and Facebook when the conditions improve and the grounds re-open.​

The invitation for the FCI Webinar on Fighting Anti-Breeding Propaganda can be found here

Dear Members,
 
This is probably among the most important reports I have presented to you. Please read carefully. I urge you to act immediately. 

On Tuesday, 16 March 2021, a delegation from DOGS NSW including President Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc, Honorary Solicitor, Mr Malcolm McDonald and I, as Senior Vice President, met with representatives of Shooters Fishers Farmers Party (the Party):
•    Mark Banasiak NSW Upper House Member 
•    Philip Donato, MP, Member for Orange.

We had discussions with the representatives of the Party present in relation to, the adverse impact of the current RSPCA Breeder Compliance Unit auditing of hobbyists or recreational breeders on the basis that these breeders were Animal Traders and, as such, Commercial Breeders which has resulted in a depth of anxiety throughout our community. 

It is our deep concern that this may lead to the extinction of many pure bred breeds in NSW, paving the way for the proliferation of the large Commercial businesses, where puppies are raised in albeit, sterile, but impersonal, battery style facilities.

Following the announcement of the proposed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Increased Penalties) Bill, The Shooter, Fishers and Farmers Party have taken up the fight for hobbyist animal breeders, who are being unfairly targeted by animal welfare agencies.

Part of this fight includes moving an amendment to POCTAA that will redefine what it means to be Animal Trade. This will require animal welfare agencies to perform checks and balances prior to entering small hobby or recreational breeders’ properties and imposing large penalties or confiscating animals that relate to breaches of the Code for Breeding Dogs and Cats but NOT for matters relating to Cruelty to Animals.

For many years DOGS NSW has advocated for a change to the definition of Animal Trade. A recent review of our current Breeder statistics revealed that this proposed amendment will bring relief to approx. 98% of our membership holding a current prefix.

It is vital that we urge all Political Parties, whatever their persuasion, to support this amendment, which is likely to go to the Upper House in the coming week.

Proposed Amendment to POCTA proposed by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party NSW Inc. 

Meaning of “animal trade” 
[1A] Section 4(1), definition of “animal trade” 
Omit the definition. Insert instead:
 
Animal trade means a trade, business or profession- 
(a) the proceeds of which have generated income for a person in the previous financial year on which income tax would have been payable under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth, even if the person were to have had no other source of income, and 
(b) In the course of which an animal is kept or used for a purpose prescribed for the purposes of this definition, but not if- 
(i) The animal is a greyhound, and 
(ii) It is kept or used for an activity by the greyhound racing industry participant who is registered under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 to carry on that activity. 

Please share this information in your efforts in supporting the amendment to the Bill. Time is of the essence- it is imperative ALL interested citizens i.e. 
•    Members
•    Family
•    Friends 
•    Those who have adopted a precious purebred puppy

Contact the following MP’s as matter of urgency

Contact details can be found by following the links:

1. Your local member - click here for the link.
2. Premier Gladys Berejiklian - click here for contact details. 
3. John Barilaro, Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade, Leader of The Nationals - click here for contact details. 
4. Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, Deputy Leader of The Nationals - Email: bathurst@parliament.nsw.gov.au
5. Adam Marshall Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW -  click here for contact details. 
6. Shelley Hancock Minister for Local Government - click here for contact details.
7. Leader of the opposition Jodi McKay - Email: strathfield@parliament.nsw.gov.au
8. Member for Maitland and Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Jenny Aitchison - Email: maitland@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Mrs Lynette Brown
Senior Vice President - DOGS NSW

Letter to Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Ms Jenny Aitchison from DOGS NSW President, Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc

Members, please click here to view the recent correspondence sent to the Member for Maitland, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Ms Jenny Aitchison from DOGS NSW President, Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc, dated 17 March 2021.

As promised by the DOGS NSW Media & Government Legislation Committee, at their recent Webinar held on Monday 15 February, the following is a definition of
a DOGS NSW "Hobby Breeder."

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

3. Qualification of breeders

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

10. Support of rescue groups

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.

Come and join the Media & Government Legislation Committee and Directors Myron Arthur and Nancy Keck on a Zoom Webinar, which was held on Monday 15th February at 7.00pm as they discussed the latest developments in the Breeder Compliance inspections and how they are impacting our members.

Please click here to view the Webinar.

The Media & Government Legislation Committee include: