South Australians are being invited to help shape what the State Government says will be the toughest breeder licencing scheme in the nation, as the next step in banning large-scale puppy farms and strengthening animal welfare protections.
The proposed scheme, released for public consultation this week, builds on laws passed in June that prevent new puppy factories from being established in South Australia. It introduces tighter limits, stronger penalties, and a more rigorous licencing process designed to hold irresponsible breeders to account while lifting standards across the sector.
Under the reforms, anyone seeking a breeder licence will need to undergo a detailed assessment process, including providing a full history and background checks. Licences will not be granted where applicants, or their spouse or partner, have been convicted of certain offences. Breeder licences will also be able to be suspended or cancelled for non-compliance, with penalties increased to a maximum of $10,000.
The Government is proposing strict limits under the new scheme, including a cap of 20 female dogs per breeding facility or site, and up to 50 female dogs per breeding program where animals are housed across multiple locations. Breeding females would be limited to a maximum of five litters in total, no more than two litters every 18 months, with a minimum breeding age of 12 months and a maximum of six years. Individual limits would be applied to each breeder’s licence based on information provided during the application process.
Mandatory reporting of every litter has also been introduced, creating greater transparency and oversight across the breeding system.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood said the reforms are about giving future pet owners confidence while prioritising animal welfare.
“South Australians deserve to know that their new family puppy has come from a responsible breeder who cares for their animals and keeps them in good living conditions,” she said.
“The nation-leading scheme supports our ban on puppy farms and is an important measure to crack down on breeders who put profits before animal welfare.
“We want the community to have their say and help build a robust system that protects puppies and their mothers, with strict limits and tough penalties in place.”
RSPCA South Australia has welcomed the proposed changes, saying animal welfare must remain central to any breeding operation.
“The improvement to the breeder licencing scheme is welcomed by RSPCA South Australia, because animal welfare should be the cornerstone of any breeding operation, regardless of the species,” said RSPCA SA Head of Animal Welfare Andrea Lewis.
“Having attended puppy farms alongside RSPCA inspectors and witnessing some of the worst conditions in which animals can be housed in – and the lasting harm this causes to mothers and their puppies – RSPCA South Australia welcomes the introduction of these stricter requirements for breeders.”
She added that breeders already doing the right thing should also see the reforms as a positive step.
“The breeders who are doing the right thing and complying with the Standards and Guidelines for breeding and trading should also be appreciative that poor quality, substandard conditions should not be tolerated in modern society.”
Dog and Cat Management Board member Associate Professor Susan Hazel said clearer benchmarks would help lift confidence across the sector.
“Breeders have a responsibility to ensure appropriate standards of care for dogs and cats,” she said. “The new standards and guidelines for breeding will provide benchmarks to improve confidence in the sector.”
The new breeder licencing scheme is expected to take effect early next year, allowing time for systems and processes to be upgraded as part of the broader rollout of changes under the strengthened Dog and Cat Management Act.
To help shape the reforms, head to the YourSAy site. Consultation is open until Friday, 13 February.
