Bega Valley pet lovers are concerned proposed law changes, designed to prevent puppy farming, unfairly targets pet owners and could drive breeders underground.
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Owners are concerned they may lose their animals with the redefining of pet shop regulations by the state government.
On the Perch’s Steve Sass says changes to the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ standards and guidelines for animal breeders, and operators of pet shops, will “dump all pet owners into a single category”.
It’s going to drive the whole thing underground.
- Brendan Ryan
“It acknowledges if you transfer ownership of a pet to another person, even if it’s free and not a sale, you will be classified as a pet shop,” he said.
NSW DPI deputy director general of biosecurity and food safety Dr Bruce Christie said the stakeholder response to a draft proposal “reflects a broad range of views in relation to animal welfare”.
“We know people feel passionately about achieving great animal welfare standards in this state and we are keen to ensure that our codes, regulations, legislation, standards and guidelines reflect the latest science and community standards,” Dr Christie said.
“By updating the existing breeding and pet shop codes with new standards and guidelines, we are responding to this need.
“We understand stakeholders are anxious to have more answers, however we are committed to getting this right and don’t want to rush the process.”
Former reptile keeper and pet lover Brendan Ryan said “people who genuinely love their animals shouldn’t be punished for those who abuse the system”.
The 57-year-old from Coopers Gully cares for a dozen mostly rescued parrots said even children breeding guinea pigs would need a Certificate 3 in animal husbandry under the proposal.
“It doesn’t matter if you give the animals away or sell them, you are a pet store,” he said.
“It’s going to drive the whole thing underground.
“It will become a sordid, illegal black market, which does nothing for anybody.”
Both Mr Sass and Mr Ryan said their had been a lack of consultation with organisations over the changes
“In 2018 consultation is an expectation,” Mr Sass said.