If a valid identification number is not used, you could be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $330 or face court, where a maximum penalty of $5,500 applies.
These rules apply to all advertisements, including but not limited to, social media posts and listings, website advertisements and listings, community notice boards, posters, flyers, and newspapers.
If you see an animal advertised without an identification number, we suggest either contacting the seller to see if a typo or mistake was made, as well as determining the validity of the number by looking it up using the NSW Pet Registry. If you believe that a breach has been made intentionally, please report it so we can investigate the matter further.
By completing this form, you are providing personal information to RSPCA NSW (we, us, or our). We are collecting your personal information to process your report of an animal identification breach in accordance with our statutory functions. Supplying your personal information is voluntary, but it may impact our ability to process this report if you do not provide it. Further details about how we manage personal information is contained in our Personal Information Collection Notice and Privacy Policy. By submitting this form, you confirm that you have read and agree to the terms of our Personal Information Collection Notice.
RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of different animals, from dogs, cats, and birds to horses, rabbits, and sheep! We believe that all creatures, great and small, can bring joy to our families and homes. Begin your adoption journey today and make an adorable lifelong friend!
By providing temporary homes for our animals, we can ensure they get the care they need until they are ready to be adopted. Join our network of foster carers for an incredibly rewarding experience; with your help, we can change the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable animals.
We rely on our generous supporters to continue assisting the thousands of animals turning to RSPCA NSW for help. No matter how small your contribution, every gift makes a lifesaving difference for animals in need.
By raising funds and lending a hand to communities and their pets, our volunteers play a pivotal role in our work throughout NSW. If you have a genuine concern for animals and enjoy meeting like-minded people, consider becoming an RSPCA NSW volunteer today!
As a recognised rehoming organisation, RSPCA NSW will display a Rehoming Organisation Number (RON) provided by local government.
For other organisations or individuals, approved identification includes a breeder identification number or microchip number.
Microchip number: In NSW, all cats and dogs (excluding those exempt) are required to have a microchip by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away. You can get your pet microchipped at your local veterinarian.
Breeder identification number: Breeder identification numbers are free and available to cat and dog breeders through the NSW Pet Registry. A breeder must acquire a breeder identification number before selling or giving away a cat or dog.
Rehoming Organisation Number: Rehoming Organisation Numbers (RON) are issued to local councils, pounds, shelters and other approved rehoming organisations by the Office of Local Government.
It is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 to fail to provide an identification number in advertisements selling or rehoming companion animals.
Individuals or organisations who fail to comply can be issued an immediate fine of $330, with a maximum penalty of $5,500 in court.
Where RSPCA NSW receives a complaint in this regard, it will be assigned to an Inspector for investigation and where appropriate enforcement action, including by issuing Penalty Infringement Notices to the value of $330 or where appropriate, the Court can impose a fine up to and including $5500.00.
If a Greyhound racing participant wants to rehome or sell a Greyhound they own, they must provide a microchip number or a registered participant number on the advertisement.
An identification number doesn’t have to be provided on animals advertised in states outside of New South Wales unless the state it’s advertised in also has requirements about listing identification numbers.
We promise to uphold the highest ethical standards. Your personal information has never been, and never will be sold or traded to other charities. This is our promise to you.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waterways, and particularly acknowledge the vital role animals have played in Indigenous life, stories and culture for tens of thousands of years.
The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
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The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
