South Australians have just hours left to help shape what’s being described as the toughest breeder licensing scheme in the nation, with consultation on the SA Government’s proposed puppy farm ban reforms closing tomorrow night.
The proposed framework forms part of a broader push to outlaw large-scale puppy farms and strengthen protections for breeding dogs and their litters across the state. Under the changes, anyone seeking to breed dogs would need to undergo a detailed licensing process, including background checks and a thorough assessment of their experience and facilities.
Authorities say licences would not be granted if an applicant, or their partner, has been convicted of certain offences, and new powers would allow regulators to suspend or cancel licences where breeders fail to meet required standards. Penalties for non-compliance could reach up to $10,000.
The draft scheme outlines firm limits aimed at improving welfare and reducing overbreeding. These include caps on the number of female dogs allowed at a single breeding site, restrictions on how many litters a dog can have, and minimum and maximum breeding ages. Mandatory reporting of each litter and strengthened veterinary care requirements would also be introduced.
Public consultation over the past month has attracted more than 100 submissions from dog owners, rescue groups, veterinarians, councils, breeders and industry representatives, reflecting strong community interest in how the new rules should be shaped.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood said, “We’ve seen a strong community response to our ban on puppy factories and we want that engagement to continue in shaping the toughest breeder licencing scheme in the nation.”
“Breeders have a responsibility to ensure puppies and their mothers are cared for properly in conditions the public expect to see.”
“Whether you’re a proud pooch owner, volunteer at a shelter or an industry member, there’s still time to contribute and help build a robust system that puts animal welfare before profits.”
The licensing framework was a key election promise and by the Malinauskas Government to ban large-scale puppy farming operations and introduce stricter regulations on breeding numbers and conditions.
If adopted, the new system is expected to come into force early next year.
South Australians can still provide feedback on the proposed breeder licensing scheme via the YourSAy platform until midnight Friday, 13 February.
