BREEDING CODE ANGER (Weekly, April 22)
■ The state government has delivered the toughest restrictions on the breeding of dogs and cats in the world with a strict new mandatory code of practice that came into effect on April 11.
The new code has more than 100 requirements for breeding establishments including compulsory veterinary checks, health and nutrition plans, exercise and social enrichment, and post-breeding retirement plans for dogs and cats.
Previously there were no maximum breeding limits. Now, female dogs have a five-litter limit and only a registered, qualified vet can clear that animal for a subsequent litter.
The government has also increased penalties for unregistered and non-compliant breeders, with fines of up to $35,512 for individuals and up to $86,616 for businesses, and 10-year bans on owning or working with animals.
PETER WALSH AGRICULTURE MINISTER
HUNT STORE COPS UNFRIENDLY FIRE (Weekly, April 22)
■ The business should stand or fall on demand for the services being offered.
If the store operator already has 300 customers ready to sign up, good luck to him.
It’s about time fishing and hunting stores were back in the mainstream shopping precincts, instead of miles away hidden in industrial areas.
I still remember buying ammo with fishing line and sinkers from Kmart’s sports section.
Fear and ignorance about hunting seems rampant. It’s time to turn the tide on the nonsense.
A GUY IN OZ VIA WEB
■ I’m sick of these wowsers running around trying to get rid of everything they find “offensive”.
OVER IT VIA WEB
■ Stuffed animals a problem? I will lay odds that there would be no complaints if it were a gourmet butcher shop. This is a legitimate business, dealing in legitimate products.
The narrow-mindedness of these people needs to be ignored. It has no place in a democratic society.
BRUCE VIA WEB
■ I don’t see what’s offensive about it. You often see a bottleshop or a tobacconist next to supermarkets. Yet more people are killed, injured or suffer serious illness because of alcohol and tobacco than from lawful firearm use or hunting.
OZ VIA WEB
