NSW Puppy Farm legislation update…
The proposed puppy farm legislation in NSW has progressed faster than expected with Labor likely doing behind the scenes deals with the Animal Justice Part to secure preferences at the upcoming state election in exchange for their support.
Late on Wednesday (19/10/22) evening the Legislative Council (NSW Upper House) voted to support an amended version of the Puppy farm legislation and to progress the legislation to a second reading.
Amendments to the original Animal Justice Party bill were proposed by the Labor Party and were carried with the support of the Greens, AJP, Labor and the Christian Democrats. The Liberals, Nationals, One Nation and Shooters, Fishers, Farmers party all opposed the legislation. The numbers fell 17 for and 16 against.
To summarise, there are some wins for us in the amendments that begin to address PIAA’S previous concerns
Changes to staff ratios going from 1 to 5 to now 1 to 25 breeding animals.
The introduction of an option for the minister to approve commercial permits, increasing the permitted number of breeding animals from 10 up to 50 (although this currently still includes animals homed with families under breeding arrangements) This, while better, still affects the viability of some operators. There is also little clarity over the ease of applying and granting of such permits.
Unfortunately there has not been any firm commitments yet to soften the stance of puppies and kittens sold in pet shops, although behind the scenes Penny Sharpe from Labor did state when speaking to the legislation that Labor supported the sale of pets in pet shops. So its likely further amendments will be proposed at the second reading or when its goes before the legislative assembly (lower house)
The matter is now also beginning to garner media attention with Ray Hadley on 2GB devoting time to make the public aware of the issues and consequences. We may be able to use media to build more pressure if behind the scenes negotiations break down or turn bad.
Please see between time stamp 12:40 to 14:50 & between 1:06:30 to 1:15:10.
All in all progress but still much to do to achieve the best possible outcome however the legislation is beginning to take shape to something more workable. Further amendments will be critical to get to a point where PIAA are able to endorse it. PIAA will continue to defend your right to keep, breed and sell pets.