Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill?
The Animals Bill is committed to protecting the lives and well-being of cats and dogs by regulating where they are sourced prior to sale, how they are advertised, and the way in which they are rehomed.
Is the Animals Bill just about stopping pet shops from selling cats and dogs?
It aims to stop the sale of cats and dogs from pet shops, auctions, markets and through classifieds. Purchasing pets from these places are bad for both the animals and consumer. Instead people will be encouraged to adopt their next pet from a shelter, pound, vet clinic, rescue group or registered breeder.
Will farmers still be able to breed and sell working dogs?
Working dogs have been excluded from the bill and farmers can continue breeding, advertising, and selling working dogs.
What about animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice?
After extensive consultation with animal welfare bodies, members of the pet care industry and community, the Animals Bill 2008 has been revised to only include cats and dogs. But it is still recommended that you only adopt ’small mammals’ from rescue groups, shelters or registered breeders to avoid health issues.
Does the bill support registered breeders?
Registered breeders are recognised as ‘approved sellers’ under the Animals Bill which means they will be able to breed and rehome their animals. But like shelters and rescue groups, they will be required to provide care information to anyone wishing to adopt an animal. But it is important to make a clear distinction between registered breeders, puppy farmers and backyard breeders. The latter two would not be allowed to operate under the proposed legislation.
If the bill is regulating advertising, will rescuers and registered breeders be able to advertise pets needing homes?
Yes. One of the main purposes of the Animals Bill is to endorse rescuers, shelters and registered breeders as humane alternatives to buying an animal from a pet shop.
Does the RSPCA support the Animals Bill?
The RSPCA is in support of the Animals Bill and does not agree with selling animals from pet shops. Many other groups support the bill such as, Say No To Animals In Pet Shops, the NSW Young Lawyers Committee; Voiceless; the Humane Society International; the Cat Protection Society; Doggie Rescue; CatRescue; Pet Rescue; Operation Toby; the American Staffordshire Club of NSW; and numerous private rescuers and rescue groups across NSW and Australia. The bill is also supported by many councils, pound staff and public.
Who does not support the bill?
The only groups who do not support the bill are the industry bodies threatened with regulation. Largely the Pet Industry Association of Australia and the Australian Veterinary Association (however an overwhelming number of vets support of bill). Both these associations are primarily concerned with regulation and do not reflect the needs of the community or the pets entrusted to their care.
Who will police the Animals Bill?
The police, RSPCA and AWL inspectors would be responsible for enforcing the proposed legislation.
