NSW March State Election & Puppy Farm Legislation

With the NSW state election campaign well and truly underway there has been no progress with the proposed legislation. Both the NSW Greens and Animal Justice Party have released their companion animal breeding policy positions last week, which look to take a position more like the original hard-line unworkable legislation introduced by the AJP. However, they are open enough to interpretation to not be entirely incompatible with the amended draft legislation which PIAA supports.

I again take this opportunity to ask everyone ensure they have reviewed and implemented their updated processes and procedures regarding breeding and pet retailing. We must ensure animal welfare is addressed to the highest possible standard. The animal activist groups have already begun grass roots social media campaigns to tug on heart strings. The last thing our industry needs is bad operators that bring our entire industry into the spotlight of disrepute. Don’t be the week link in the chain and ensure everything you do both publicly and behind the scenes passes the pub test. PIAA will not support any business that abuses the welfare of the animals in their care.

With the election happening on March 25th, the results in the NSW upper house become key to our industry moving forward. We must all do our best to ensure neither the NSW Greens nor Animal Justice Party gain seats that would put them in a balance of power position in the NSW legislative council (the big ballot paper). Please discuss your concerns with your friends, families and staff and ask that everybody consider their votes very wisely. Every vote can and does count, so please don’t waste it by supporting those parties that are fundamentally opposed to our industry and our right to keep, breed, and sell pets.