The founder of a Melton animal rescue service has slammed “last-minute” amendments to breeding codes, accusing the state government of backflipping on policies designed to stamp out puppy farms.
“I think it’s disgraceful these operations are allowed to run when there’s animal shelters and pounds full of animals,” Western Suburbs Animal Rescue Service manager Nathan Miles said.
“There’s ten of thousands euthanased per year, and these so-called breeders are adding 10,000 more.”
Melton currently has three registered breeding and rearing establishments, three boarding establishments, three pet shops and just one shelter. Moorabool has 10 registered domestic animal businesses in the municipality, including breeding establishments.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Maria Mercurio said the organisation received an email from the government, outlining “last-minute and furtive changes’’ on April 11.
‘‘Sufficiently healthy bitches now have the potential to continue breeding after their fifth litter, but only if an annual breeding clearance certificate for each individual bitch is obtained from a veterinary practitioner,” the email stated.
Ms Mercurio said the RSPCA was extremely disappointed to learn of the changes, which she said “no longer limits the number of litters a female dog can have”.
“The code that we thought was coming into effect limited the number of litters to five … which is the key element in stamping out puppy farms,” she said.
Australian Veterinary Association national president Dr Ben Gardiner said he was not aware of any scientific research that said that after dogs had five litters ‘‘they are automatically unhealthy”. But Mr Miles said many dogs, particularly small breeds, could have complications after the first litter. “Dachshunds and pugs, for example, if they’re having five litters, they could be having five caesarean sections.”
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella said the industry needed tighter regulation.
“The government under Denis Napthine, a former veterinarian himself, must act and keep its promise to deal with illegal puppy farms.”
The government’s two-year review followed a pre-election promise to crack down on puppy farms and animal abuse.
– with The Age
