News and updates

(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.

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:

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 [email protected].

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, breeders very few litters per year, and not animal traders and, therefore, should be exempt from the current Breeder Compliance Audit regime.

The Media & Government Legislation Committee have attached the following documents to assist members in understanding and dealing with the RSPCA Breeder Audits:-

• Email from Mr H Gent OAM to DOGS NSW President – RSPCA requiring Breeders to have dry powder fire extinguishers

• Letter from Director M Arthur to the Member for Lake Macquarie expressing his concerns regarding the RSPCA breeder audits

• Breeding Dogs/Cats Checklist

DOGS NSW Media & Government Legislation Committee has released the attached urgent notices to all Members regarding the RSPCA Breeder Audits.

Click here to view the DOGS NSW Statement on RSPCA Breeder Audits.

Click here to view NSW Legislated Enforcement Bodies statement.

Earlier this year, DOGS NSW sought advice, from the Office of the Children’s Guardian, in respect of whether our Judges, including Junior Handler Judges, were required by law to obtain Working With Children Checks. That advice included advice as to who is “exempt” from this requirement. The advice and the list of exemptions can be found via the following links.

1. Correspondence - Response to WWCC Enquiry from Company Secretary

2. Part 4, Clause 20 of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Regulation 2013 - (In particular, your attention is drawn to the information contained in page 2 of the list of exemptions, in particular under Part 2 of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Regulation 2013, Clause 7(3), which is highlighted in yellow).

The new plan of the grounds is now finally complete and the amended map of the entire grounds can be viewed by clicking here.  The area we no longer include is approximately 100 metres down to the creek and then up the other side to Mamre Road. This area is designated as Cumberland Forest and will be reclaimed as such.

DOGS NSW are now taking pre orders for the FURSAFE Emergency First Aid Kits, specifically developed for dogs. Every dog owner should have one on hand, coupled with the Emergency Dog First Aid Guide.

The FURSAFE Emergency Dog First Aid Kits are $65.00 and the Emergency Dog First Aid Guides are $29.95 + postage.

To view the Emergency Dog First Aid Kit's contents, please click here. To view the Emergency First Aid Guide's content material please click here.

If interested in ordering, please click here to download the order form. Credit card and direct deposit transactions only.

DOGS NSW Office will soon have a limited supply of the FURSAFE Emergency Dog First Aid Kits and Guides available at reception, so you can order and then pick up when notified.

DOGS NSW has now registered the following Trademarks:-

• ROYAL NEW SOUTH WALES CANINE COUNCIL LIMITED
• DOGS NSW

Consequently, it should be noted that the use of the above names requires formal approval by the Royal NSW Canine Council (trading as DOGS NSW) prior to use in any form.