The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is seeking feedback on the proposed introduction of a new dog licensing scheme.

The Consultation Paper: Licensing and regulation of cat and dog breeders proposes a new licensing scheme for dog breeders and changes to the regulation of dog and cat breeders across the state.

Adam Marshall, Minister for Agriculture, said the release of the paper was in response to heightened concerns about companion animal breeding practices.

“The vast majority of breeders are complying with the current animal welfare laws, however unfortunately there are some unscrupulous operators doing the wrong thing, which is why we need to introduce a licensing scheme and review the regulations to make sure they are fit for purpose.”

Marshall said the proposal would introduce a commercial dog breeder licensing scheme that would provide additional oversight to larger scale breeders and would help find and shut down puppy factories but would not affect smaller hobby breeders.

“There are absolutely no plans to burden primary producers or hobby breeders, these proposed changes are aimed squarely at large-scale commercial breeders, as that is where the concerns and problems are.”

Feedback on the proposal is open until 31 December 2021.