Labor's dogging ethical breeders

State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has raised concerns over new laws that will adversely affect dog breeders and pet owners in the Eildon electorate.

“I have been contacted by many local dog and cat breeders concerned with Labor’s proposed laws. Whilst it is important that we crack down on illegal puppy farms, many pedigree dog and cat breeders will be unfairly forced to dramatically change their business operations.”

Apart from a crackdown on illegal puppy farms, The Andrews Labor government’s Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Bill 2016 will impose strict laws for registered dog breeders.

“These laws would force anyone with a single breeding female who decides to sell the puppies to register as a domestic animal business, no matter how infrequently they breed”, Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish said the Liberal Nationals Coalition strongly supports laws that stamp out cruel and unethical breeding of pets like puppy farms.

“This red tape is manifestly unfair the many animal breeders who already comply with industry standards as part of their association with peak organisations like Dogs Victoria and Australian Utility Stock Dog Society,” Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish said she was pleased the Coalition has successfully established an inquiry into the proposed legislation to ensure that breeders’ voices are heard.

“This inquiry has given people the chance to put their views forward after the Andrews Labor Government failed to consult the industry in developing its legislation”

Ms McLeish concluded saying, “I am happy to continue listening to breeders to ensure the Parliament gets these laws right and that longstanding, ethical breeding operations are not severely harmed.”