DOGS VICTORIA WELCOMES PET SHOP BAN

Dogs Victoria has welcomed the introduction of a ban on pet shops selling puppies and kittens, unless from approved sources (shelters, pounds or voluntarily registered foster carers), and is encouraging the public to look to Dogs Victoria registered breeders for their next pedigree puppy. 

Dogs Victoria President, Wayne Fleming, said ‘The ban was brought about by the reforms of the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Act 2017 which was passed by Parliament in December last year. This will mean there will be no more puppies in pet shop windows which disguised the fact that most pet shop pups were sourced from the puppy farm industry – rife with rogue underground operators and poor animal welfare’. 

Dogs Victoria members have never been permitted to sell pups to pet shops or commercial agents, and our strict Codes and Regulations mean our members are required to follow the highest standards in terms of animal welfare and breeding.  

Mr Fleming said ‘Anyone looking for a healthy, well socialised and predictable pedigree puppy should make sure that they go through a Dogs Victoria registered breeder, who will also provide the support and education needed to assist the owners to care for their new puppy throughout its entire life’. 

‘For peace of mind, the public can contact Dogs Victoria to check if the breeder is registered, and of course, the public can also join Dogs Victoria and participate in our activities, including dog sports like agility, herding, and obedience'. 

Dogs Victoria is recognised by the Victorian Government as the representative organisation for all pedigree dog owners and breeders in Victoria, and is committed to ensuring the future of pedigree dogs by breeding healthy dogs that are typical of their breed in type, temperament and behaviour.

Mr Fleming said ‘Anyone who is looking for a new canine companion should consider a Dogs Victoria bred dog. We encourage the public to contact breeders through Dogs Victoria, our breed clubs or attend one of our free public events held most weekends at KCC Park, 655 Westernport Hwy, Skye or Bulla Exhibition Centre, 5 Uniting Lane, Bulla'.

For more information on Dogs Victoria and our list of upcoming events visit www.dogsvictoria.org.au.

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