- Minister for Agriculture
Victorians will soon be able to find out where their pet comes from with the introduction of the Andrews Labor Government's new online database, the Pet Exchange Register.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today launched the campaign for the Pet Exchange Register, which will apply to all dogs and cats advertised for sale or rehoming from 1 July 2019.
Animals will need a source number which identifies an individual, breeder, business or shelter, and Victorians getting a dog or cat will be encouraged to check the validity of a seller on the register before they bring their new furry family member home.
From 1 July, it will be an offence for an advertisement not to have a valid microchip number and a Pet Exchange Register source number - this applies to advertisers selling or giving away dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, as well as publishers of the advertisements.
In 2018, the Labor Government broke the link between puppy farms and pet shops - now shops can no longer source and sell dogs or cats unless they are from a registered shelter, pound or voluntarily enrolled foster carer. In addition, breeding businesses can't run or own a pet shop or shelter.
The Government has also prohibited registered breeding businesses with more than 10 fertile female dogs from acquiring any more, and from 10 April 2020, approved commercial dog breeders will be limited to a maximum of 50 fertile female dogs.
For more information, visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
"When Victorians take home a new furry family member, they should know it has been raised by people that value its welfare. The Pet Exchange Register helps provide transparency, so we know exactly where our new pets are coming from."
"The Pet Exchange Register will make it more difficult for illegal breeders and puppy farms to hide, with new advertising requirements for selling cats and dogs, and will help councils and authorised officers monitor those acting unlawfully and take action."
