WORKING dogs will remain exempt from the Dog and Cat Management Act that ruled microchipping and desexing mandatory.
The Dog and Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2015 was passed in Parliament yesterday, putting the act a step closer to ending puppy farming and the number of dogs and cats that are euthanised each year.
Environment Minister Ian Hunter said there are great benefits from microchipping and desexing.
“These two measures will go a long way to cutting the number of dogs and cats that end up in shelters and the unacceptably high number of unwanted animals euthanised every year,” he said.
Animal Welfare League Chief Executive Officer Richard Mussell said the Act is vital for the future of pet management.
“At this time of important reform for dog and cat management in South Australia, we remain strongly supportive of the Bill for mandatory desexing for all future puppies and kittens to help reduce problem behaviours such as aggression in dogs and nuisance behaviours in cats,” he said.
Other amendments include the requirement for breeder registration to help put a stop to puppy farming, greater powers for local councils to administer the Act, and changes to who can accredit assistance dogs and recognise assistance dogs in training.
Dog and Cat Management Board Chair Dr Felicity-ann Lewis said the board was pleased with the results.
“The Dog and Cat Management Board has been a strong advocate for desexing and microchipping for many years, so it is very pleasing to see these become mandatory,” she said.
A representative from the Working Dog Centre said education for dog owners before purchasing was necessary.
“We need to educate the owners and teach them about training all dogs.”
Breeders and security dogs are also excused from the rulings.
Draft regulations will be ready for consultation later this year with amendments beginning in 2017.
