News and updates

FCI Podcast: How do behavioural problems develop?

01-02-2022

Dog 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.

Read more

DOGS AUSTRALIA - New Tricks for Old Dogs

13-12-2021
The Australian National Kennel Council announced Dogs Australia as the new face for the ANKC today.
Check out the article which appeared in the Sunday Telegraph!
Read more

FCI Podcast: Separation Anxiety ~ The Modern Disease of Dogs

03-12-2021

Separation 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.

Read more

COMMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

23-11-2021

DOGS 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.
Read more

Use of Service NSW QR Code for DOGS NSW

26-10-2021

Clubs 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.

Read more

Important Notice: Animal Justice Party - Companion Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms) Bill 2021

22-10-2021
The Companion Animal Amendment (Puppy Farm) Bill, a Private members bill initially put forward by Emma Hurst of the Animal Justice Party and Alex Greenwich (Independent) was put forward for its second reading this week, but has been delayed for a month. This Amendment Bill, if enacted, has the potential to wipe us all out, while having minimal effect on puppy mill operations or production. 

This 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

Read more

Puppy Scammers

30-09-2021

Sadly 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


 

Read more

WARNING - Kennel Cough

26-05-2021
Members are reminded that, in accordance with DOGS NSW Regulations Part II-Show, Clause 12.7, which reads as follows:-

12.17
(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.
Read more

DOGS NSW "Hobby Breeder" Definition

19-02-2021

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.

Read more

Breeder Compliance Audits Webinar

12-02-2021

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:

• Mr B Crump, Chair
• Mr H Gent OAM, Secretary
• Dr K Hedberg BVSc, DOGS NSW President
• Mrs L Brown, DOGS NSW Senior Vice President
• Mr M McDonald, DOGS NSW Honorary Solicitor
• Dr R Zammit BVSc
• Ms R Coventry
• Miss D Crofts, DOGS NSW Animal Welfare & Community Liaison Officer
Read more

@dogsnsw