MELTON residents are being encouraged to have their say on the Department of Primary Industries’ review into the code of practice governing dog and cat breeders.
In an attempt to get tough on illegal puppy farms across Victoria, the state government is evaluating the guidelines for commercial breeding and rearing establishments.
However, Western Suburbs Animal Rescue Service manager Nathan Miles says he doesn’t believe commercial breeders should operate when pounds and shelters across Melton Shire are at full capacity.
“It’s almost insanity to see these breeding establishments when pounds are full and thousands and thousands of companion animals are being euthanased.
“Society needs to look at how they buy animals; they consider animals just like any other commodity. We’ve had animals given to us after six months or 18 months just because the novelty has worn off,” he said.
Animal activist Debra Tranter, who founded Oscar’s Law, a lobby group dedicated to the abolition of puppy farming, has rescued many pets across Melton Shire.
Ms Tranter welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the code, but she said enforcement was critical.
“There is not enough manpower [to] enforce the code of practice.
“The solution is to close them [puppy farms] down and local council has to stop issuing permits,” she said.
Melton Council compliance manager Ian Stewart said there were three registered animal breeding and boarding establishments within the shire.
Department of Primary Industries animal welfare director Dr Stephen Tate said all dog and cat breeding establishments defined as domestic animal businesses were required to abide by the code.
The full questionnaire is available at dpi.vic.gov.au/pets
