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Backyard blitz on pet breeders

Backyard pet breeders will be targeted in a special crackdown by Wellington Shire Council this month.

By Wellington Shire Council - 12th July 2005 - Back to News

The Shire this week warned domestic animal breeders they must have their properties registered as a business with the council if they wish to sell cats and dogs.

Wellington’s Local Laws Co-ordinator Tim Wise says breeders selling kittens and puppies are conducting a business and, that as a business, their premises will need to be registered unless exempt.

Mr Wise said Local Laws officers would be specifically monitoring attempts to sell puppies and kittens during the next few weeks to ensure sellers were operating within the law.

Under State Government law, only members of The Feline Council (Victoria) Inc, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, the Victorian Canine Association Inc and The Cat Authority of Victoria are exempt if less than 10 females are kept on the premises for the purposes of breeding.

Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb said: "The requirements are aimed at protecting the welfare of domestic animals."

"There have been numerous examples of domestic animals, dogs in particular, being sold to inappropriate homes. Most professional breeders take great care to ensure their animals are placed with suitable clients who will have the long-term interest of the pet at heart.

"For example, certain dogs will require constant attention and companionship, others are suitable for a household with young children, and good breeders will seek assurances from prospective owners that they can provide adequate fencing, time and resources to properly care for their new pet.

"Unfortunately a number of backyard breeders simply don’t care who purchases the animals they are selling. They are simply interested in what they see as an easy way to make some money, breeding puppies or kittens. The tragedy is that animals placed with inappropriate buyers often have health problems due to the environment they are raised in, or end up abandoned and unloved."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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