Pet Shops & Puppy Mills
The RSPCA has major concerns about the breeding and supply of companion animals and the under-regulation of pet shops across Australia. We support the regulation and licensing of all pet shops, breeders and other companion animal vendors (including markets) to cover not only the way in which animals sold, but the way in which they are bred and supplied.
Buying a puppy or kitten from a pet shop can be risky as you have no information on where the animal has come from or the conditions in which it was bred.
The RSPCA recommends that people looking for a new pet should check the RSPCA or another reputable animal rescue group first. The assessment process for companion animals at RSPCA Shelters and Volunteer Branches means that prospective owners can be assured of getting a great pet that suits their family and lifestyle, while at the same time they are helping us to place an animal in need of a good home. One very important aspect that distinguishes the RSPCA from commercial animal sellers, such as pet shops, is that as well as assessing the suitability of animals for adoption, we also assess the suitability of prospective owners. This is a fundamental part of ensuring that the fit between owner and pet is a good and lasting one.
If prospective owners have their heart set on a specific breed, and this breed is not currently available at RSPCA Shelters and Volunteer Branches, then we advocate that they find a good breeder so they can obtain the animal directly from the place where it was born. When potential buyers are able to visit animals at their place of birth it means that breeders are encouraged to have high standards (and in the case of dogs, an environment which is likely to produce a happy and well-socialised puppy).
NSW Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill 2009
Independent MP and Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore submitted her NSW Regulation of Sale Bill to NSW Parliament in October of this year (click here for full information). The RSPCA commends Clover Moore for having brought the oversupply of animals issue into the spotlight through her endeavours with regard to her Bill. Now that the issue of pet shops and the complex supply chain has been publicly debated, we now need to look at continuing the debate with some real science and rigor that will stand up to the scrutiny of anecdotal evidence. RSPCA NSW calls for an enquiry that can undoubtedly provide us with solutions that can be managed and delivered in the interests of animal welfare.
“In light of Clover Moore’s Bill being defeated recently, the RSPCA NSW will continue to enforce the Pet Shop Code, et al, and will continue to support endeavours to find factual evidence that will lead to maximising rehoming for RSPCA NSW and reduce the euthanasia of animals that are deemed re-homeable by RSPCA NSW." Says Steve Coleman, RSPCA NSW CEO.
"One of the more contemporary measures that RSPCA NSW has undertaken is the introduction of an RSPCA Care Centre. The first RSPCA Care Centre will open at the Rouse Hill Shopping Centre in mid December 2009. We hope this will be the first of many RSPCA Care Centres around the state. The fundamental principle of this model is to maximise rehoming of abadoned and surrendered animals, and to minimise euthanasia” said Coleman.
For more information about our RSPCA Care Centre facility, please CLICK HERE.
What is a Puppy Mill/Puppy Farm?
A puppy mill or puppy farm is a large-scale commercial facility that produces large numbers of puppies for profit. The puppies and their mothers are often kept in very poor conditions where the welfare of the animals is overridden by commercial gain. Breeding animals may be continually mated and kept permanently in cages. These animals may never be allowed out of the cage to exercise, play, have companionship or to urinate or defacate.
The main problems associated with puppy mills include: over-breeding (too many litters per female), in-breeding (mating close relatives), minimal or no veterinary care, poor hygiene and housing conditions in which the animals' behavioural and physiological needs are not met, and high mortality rates. Puppies born in puppy mills often have long-term health and/or behavioural problems as a result of poor housing conditions, poor maternal nutrition and a lack of adequate socialisation during the crucial first few weeks of life. Puppies from puppy mills are sold through the internet, newspaper ads, pet shops or sometimes at the puppy farm itself. Puppy farms may also use a house as a 'shop front' to sell their animals from so you don't get to see the poor conditions they breed dogs in.
We don't know how many puppy mills there are in Australia, but with the advent of internet sales it is a growing national problem. RSPCA inspectors have seized dogs from puppy farms where hundreds of breeding females have been kept in cages in appalling conditions. Both crossbreeds and purebreeds can be mass-produced on puppy farms (although the purebreds will not be registered as pedigree dogs). Recent cases that the RSPCA has investigated involved poodles and Chihuahuas.
The RSPCA is strongly opposed to puppy mills and considers the mass production of puppies for profit to be completely unacceptable. We advocate regulation of the breeding, supply and sale of companion animals to help set minimum standards and stamp out the mass-production of puppies for profit.
For more information about what you need to know before purchasing your new pet, please visit the RSPCA Australia Knowledge Base by CLICKING HERE.
For more information about what you need to know before purchasing your new pet, please visit the RSPCA Australia Knowledge Base by CLICKING HERE.
How do I find a good dog breeder?
If you’re looking for a new dog, check your local RSPCA or other animal rescue group first. There are many wonderful puppies and dogs out there looking for new homes. But if you can’t find the right dog for you, or have your heart set on a specific breed, you’ll need to find a good breeder.
Follow our Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide and you’ll be on the right track to taking home a healthy, well-adjusted puppy and helping to prevent the sale of puppies from puppy mills or irresponsible breeders.
Healthy puppies come from breeders who:
1. Plan ahead and aim to find good homes for every puppy they breed.
2. Provide a high standard of care and living conditions for all their dogs.
3. Are genuinely concerned about the welfare of their dogs.
4. Are open to questions and provide a complete history of the puppy.
5. Make sure that you will suit the puppy and the puppy will suit you.
6. Breed to produce happy, healthy pets, free from known genetic disorders.
7. Provide ongoing support and information to new owners.
8. Provide a guarantee.
9. Provide references on request.
10. Meet all their legal requirements.
You can download the full Smart Puppy Buyer's Guide from the link below. It's essential reading for all prospective puppy buyers.
