Today the Companion Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms) Bill 2021 passed the Upper House supported by NSW Labor.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the bill is a serious concern, not only to the entire pet shop industry but to any NSW household who wishes to buy a new dog or cat.
The NSW Government voted against the bill.
“The Leader of the Opposition Chris Minns has instructed his colleagues in the Upper House to support a bill that would take man’s best friend out of the family home,” Mr Saunders said.
“This bill restricts the sale of new puppies and kittens from pet shops, which could spell the end of a thriving small business sector.”
Under this legislation pet shops would only be allowed to sell animals from a rehoming organisation or an approved breeder, making it harder for families to find their next furry friend.
The legislation will also increase the price families pay for a new pet at a time where they are already facing extreme cost of living pressures.
“Under this bill, Labor has made the joy and privilege of owning a new pet unaffordable. This will inevitably push more pet sales underground and encourage unscrupulous black market behaviour.”
The bill also allows officers and animal inspectors to indiscriminately drop into family homes without warning to check on pets. This would give them greater entry powers than the NSW Police Force who must have an objectively reasonable belief before entering a home.
“This legislation is working against the very outcomes it is seeking to achieve and will result in unintended negative animal welfare consequences.”
NSW already has some of the most severe penalties for animal cruelty offences in the country.