New Dog Breeder Register a hit with Queenslanders

Queensland dog owners have responded enthusiastically to the Palaszczuk Government’s new legislation to stamp out cruel puppy farms, says Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne.

“In the first week more than 2,200 Queenslanders have registered for free on the new Queensland Dog Breeder Register,” the Minister said.

“I think that shows strong support for the legislation and that overwhelmingly dog owners in our state want to do the right thing.

“We know that the vast majority of dog lovers support the measures and this is a very encouraging start in smashing the business model for unethical and exploitative breeders.

“It shows the message is getting out that to stop cruel puppy farms, everyone from breeder to buyer needs to be doing the right thing.”

Minister Byrne said the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries had engaged with more than 250,000 people on social media since the Dog Breeder Register went live last Friday.

Anyone who breeds a dog must register as a dog breeder and get a supply number within 28 days of the litter being born.

All breeders must use their supply number when advertising, selling or giving away puppies born from 26 May 2017 and the supply number must be included in the microchip information of the dog.

The supply number can then be used to find information about the breeder using the online register.

“The new register will give people and families buying pets the ability to find more information about the pet’s background so they know they are buying from a registered breeder,” the Minister said.

“The new laws apply to regular and occasional breeders (including backyard litters) – with specific exemptions for some genuine working dogs.

“Implementing compliance with the new laws involves a partnership between local councils, Biosecurity Queensland and the RSPCA Queensland.”

Anyone with a dog that has a litter should visit www.qdbr.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23 to register, even if it is an accidental litter and they intend to give the dogs away.

A breakdown of where people are registering can be seen below.

South East Queensland             1159

Wide Bay – Burnett                    294

Darling Downs                           265

Central Queensland                   215

North Queensland                     128

Far North Queensland               103

South West Queensland              19

North West Queensland               17

Central West Queensland             6