New dog breeder registration laws passed by the Queensland Parliament this week will help identify unscrupulous dog breeders and stamp out cruel puppy farming.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, said people who exploit the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies for their own financial gains have no place in Queensland.

“This is delivering on the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitment to close the door on puppy farms in Queensland,” Mr Ryan said.

“Under this new legislation, all dog breeders – apart from genuine working dog breeders who would be exempt – must register and include their breeder identification number (ID) on their dog’s microchip details and display their breeder ID at point of sale and supply.

“This scheme will help identify unregistered breeders and will shut illegal puppy farmers out of the market.

“Dogs that are bred in poor conditions often have health problems that result in unnecessary suffering, expensive ongoing veterinary treatment or early death.

“Prospective dog owners will soon have greater assurance that their dog was bred by a reputable breeder in healthy and safe conditions.”

Minister for Agriculture and Fishers, Leanne Donaldson, said that her department was working with the RSPCA, Dogs Queensland and local governments to develop the Queensland animal welfare standards and guidelines for breeding dogs and their progeny.

“These standards will promote good management and care practices for breeding dogs in Queensland and will be a mandatory code under the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001),” Ms Donaldson said.

“This Government is committed to providing legislation and standards that protects the reputation of Queensland’s animal industries and ensures the welfare of all animals.”

For more information visit http://www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au/ or call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.