News and updates
Let's get positive! Here are some Facts from Professor Claire Wade regarding the Animal Justice Party (Emma Hurst Puppy Farming) Bill
08-02-2022The following changes to companion animal breeding rules are proposed:
61ZF Proprietors of companion animal breeding businesses must not breed dogs
or cats in certain circumstances.
A proprietor of a companion animal breeding business must not breed from a female dog or cat in the following circumstances—
(a) more than twice,
(b) if a heritable defect is identified in a previous litter of the dog or cat,
(c) with a dog or cat that is related to the dog or cat by blood.
Maximum penalty—
(a) for a corporation—2,000 penalty units,
(b) for an individual—400 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year, or both.
Response:
The animal welfare justifications for the proposed changes are absent or unclear.
There is no scientific support for the suggested changes.
Part (b): The definition of a heritable defect is absent or unclear. For Mendelian recessive conditions, simply breeding the animal with a partner from a different genetic background will minimize the chances of re-occurrence. Indeed, the imposition of such a requirement is far more likely to generate negative genetic outcomes from a population perspective by severely restricting the effective population size of the breeding population. This will do far more genetic harm than good. Most modern companion animal breeders actively participate in research to provide new genetic tests for Mendelian conditions where these do not already exist and actively apply genetic testing to minimize or eliminate the occurrence of Mendelian inherited defects in progeny.
For complex traits, such as orthopaedic traits or cancer, the proposed limit is unlikely to make any substantive impact on the occurrence of disorders in progeny.
Part (c): The definition of “related by blood” is unquantifiable. If this same requirement was imposed upon humans, then many cultures would be subjected to genocide.
Penalties:
The breaches would be impossible to prove and very severe. The legal battles that would ensue from attempting to enforce the breaches would place unnecessary stress on the court system and create serious mental health issues for the humans who love their animals. No part of the proposed Bill is either justifiable or desirable from any perspective, and particularly not from an animal welfare or animal genetic health perspective.
Professor Claire Wade
Chair Computational Biology and Animal Genetic
In addition there is a petition site CHANGE.ORG that members may like to use to have their puppy owners, and all who own dogs, sign, regarding the AJP Emma Hurst Puppy Farming Bill. Start your own petition and send to your State member.
DOGS NSW Media Release in response to the Animal Justice Party ( Emma Hurst Puppy Farming Bill)
07-02-2022MEDIA RELEASE
Media Contact: DOGS NSW [email protected]
BREEDERS WARN THAT ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY BILL WILL CRIPPLE DOG OWNERSHIP (Sydney, February 7, 2022)
DOGS NSW, which is recognised by the NSW government as the peak purebred breeding body in the State, has warned that the AJP’s Companion Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms) Bill 1 would have a devastating effect on our way of life and the entire pet industry if enacted.
“This misguided, draconian Bill will decimate the breeding and exhibition of purebred dogs and cats, undermine our freedom to have pets, and have next to no effect on puppy farm operations, which we are absolutely against,” said Ms Lyn Brand, President of Dogs NSW, which registers 25,000 purebred dogs every year.
“We are astounded by the Animal Justice Party’s lack of insight. Their Bill would create huge incentives for unlicensed backyard operators that make it impossible to regulate breeding conditions and animal welfare. This badly flawed Bill has missed the mark – it will actually have the effect of being anti-animal, with destructive consequences for the professional breeders, owners and hobbyists represented by DOGS NSW.”
FCI Podcast: How do behavioural problems develop?
01-02-2022Dog behavioural problems are among the leading reasons for dog abandonment. In general, it is not easy to live together with a dog suffering from serious behavioural issues.
But when can you call a behaviour problematic?
Is it genetics or something else?
What can you do to avoid them?
This episode of The FCI Podcast with Jessica Hekman gives a thorough insight into dog behavioural problems. Click here or on the image above to view.
DOGS AUSTRALIA - New Tricks for Old Dogs
13-12-2021
FCI Podcast: Separation Anxiety ~ The Modern Disease of Dogs
03-12-2021Separation anxiety is a widespread behavioural problem of dogs.
Why should it be taken seriously? What are the reasons behind it? What is the difference between separation anxiety and a bored dog?
How can one help? the dogs suffering from it? And how has the pandemic made the situation worse?
In this episode of The FCI Podcast, Malena DeMartini-Price – the foremost expert in separation anxiety in dogs – gives all the answers and provides a thorough insight into the world of dogs suffering from separation anxiety.
Please click here to view the podcast.
COMMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
23-11-2021DOGS NSW Members are reminded and advised that comments made and published on Social Media may contravene the RNSWCC Articles of Association and, if so, may result in disciplinary action as set out in Article 18(a) & (b)(i) to (v), which reads as follows:-
Disciplining of Members
18.(a) A member shall strictly observe and act in conformity with and not otherwise than in accordance with the Articles and Regulations of RNSWCC.
(b)without limiting (a), a member must not engage in any conduct that could reasonably be considered to be:
- dishonest, malicious, vexatious, or scandalous or contrary to law,
- discreditable to the member concerned or any other member,
- prejudicial or injurious, or tending to prejudice or injure any person interested in canine affairs,
- prejudicial or injurious, or tending to prejudice or injure, the interests, image or standing of RNSWCC, or
- contrary to the spirit and intent of the articles, regulations, or any code, resolution, policy or direction of RNSWCC or any committee.
Use of Service NSW QR Code for DOGS NSW
26-10-2021Clubs are advised that when conducting an event at DOGS NSW Orchard Hills, that they are to use the Service NSW QR code for DOGS NSW and not their own QR code. This is imperative that we are using the same code in the event of a COVID case at the grounds. The DOGS NSW QR codes are placed around the grounds and you can also download a copy here.
Important Notice: Animal Justice Party - Companion Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms) Bill 2021
22-10-2021This is a serious attempt to remove Companion Animals from general society. By severely limiting the number of breeding bitches, or queens, any person can have (greater than 2 of either), you are automatically a commercial breeder with a maximum of 10, and a micro breeder if 2 or less. Any retained female puppies or kittens from the age of 8 weeks is added to your current total, even if you let it go at 4-6 months of age. Any bitches out on breeders contracts are also counted and the contracts can be cancelled.
All breeders must be licensed, payable annually, inspected annually, and all your animals can be removed if you are not registered and do breed.
Many of the measures are extremely draconian and the proposed fines for not complying are severe. A copy of the letter that DOGS NSW Media & Government Legislation Committee has put forward to the Government, as well as notes for the members and technical notes are attached below, and will also be placed on the DOGS NSW website. Please click here to view a copy of the Animal Justice Party's proposed amendment to the NSW Parliament.
It is vitally important that everyone drafts a letter (please make them individual letters, not rote letters!) against this proposed amendment with continual heavy representations to their local and state politicians. The expense of running the required new registrations, inspections, etc, is expected to be borne by the breeders registered, so the costs will be high for even the micro breeders. I cannot see that Councils will be at all happy about the increased work required to run any such schemes, however, I can see an increase in puppy mill activity as the demand for Companion Animals will still be there and we, as the visible breeders, will once again pay the price.
The end agenda by the Animal Justice Party is not to have Companion Animals. By placing so many restrictions, most breeders are going to say it is all too much and desex their animals. At worst, there may be animals euthanised or dumped.
We can fight this! The Amendment is not expected to pass at this time, but if we do not object strongly now, some of these points may still go forward next time!
The letter and the notes will give you ideas to develop letters to go forward, write letters against the Animal Justice Party! Click here to find your local member's email address.
Get involved and save our way of life and our freedoms !
- Click here to view the DOGS NSW response to the AJP Bill
- Click here to view AJP Amendment Bill - Technical Notes
- Click here to view AJP - Notes for members
Puppy Scammers
30-09-2021Sadly it has become more and more apparent over the past few months that puppy scammers are out there in large numbers scamming thousands of dollars from unsuspecting, prospective and often naive people each month.
It is understood that as soon as one scammer site is reported and shut down, another site opens.
If, or when a person contacts you please, even if you don’t have a litter or are planning to breed, please alert people to scammers and that they they need to be mindful and on guard when contacting people advertising puppies for sale. The scam sites have wonderful photos of delightful puppies and paint glowing pictures to the uninitiated, unsuspecting potential puppy owner.
Please refer people to a DOGS NSW breed club, who have members that can provide guidance and direct them to DOGS NSW accredited breeders. Tell them to ask questions, speak to people - not just send texts or emails.
It really is the buyer, not knowing any better, falling for these scams. We have an obligation as responsible dog lovers, members and breeders to guide and educate people in how to tell the difference between a scammer (who in reality is a criminal) and a real registered breeder.
Importantly, if you become aware of a scammer you can report them to:
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
WARNING - Kennel Cough
26-05-202112.17
(a) If a dog has been in a kennel affected with distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus or any other virulent contagious disease, it shall not enter a showground or remain on a showground for a period of three months after the date of the first diagnosis. (10/18)
(b) If a dog has been in a kennel affected with or diagnosed with kennel cough, it shall not enter a showground or remain on a showground for a period of three weeks after the date of the first diagnosis. (10/18)
Any dogs displaying symptoms of illness or a communicable disease, in particular Kennel Cough, are not allowed to enter or remain on a showground.
@dogsnsw
