PUPPY farmers have been put on notice following almost $10 million in state government funding to PetsWA to establish an online centralised registration system for dogs and cats, a move welcomed by RSPCA WA.

As part of the government's ‘stop puppy farming reforms’ PetsWA will replace all dog and cat registers currently managed by every local government, and will be used by pet owners, local governments, rangers and rescue organisations

It will enable local governments to identify cases of puppy farming through improved visibility of pet registrations and transfers, and breeders across Western Australia.

Regulations are being drafted to enact the reforms, which introduces mandatory registration of dog breeders, transitions pet shops to adoption centres, and mandatory sterilisation of dogs, from two years, unless exempt or already registered.

Historical registration data will be migrated from 139 local governments during the development phase of PetsWA, to enable a seamless registration experience for users, and allow people that move houses into a new local government area to update their address through PetsWA.

The reforms have been welcomed by RSPCA WA who said the establishment of an online centralised registration system will help to identify cases of puppy farming.

RSPCA WA worked closely with the state government on the ‘stop puppy farming’ laws and the requirements of the registration system which will launch in 2025.

Executive manager animal and enforcement operations Hannah Dreaver said the centralised system will give RSPCA WA inspectors greater oversight of breeding practices in WA and improved traceability of the dogs they are dealing with.

“The system will assist our inspectors and the broader community in identifying cases of puppy farming to ideally put a stop to the cruel practice,” she said.

“Puppy farming comes with a plethora of welfare concerns including dogs and puppies not being able to access basic needs like food and water, overcrowding, lack of socialisation with people and other dogs, and lack of proper vet care. The breeding practices also pose major welfare concerns for mother dogs with many being bred too young and for too long.”

The RSPCA said the Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021 includes important checks and balances to end irresponsible and indiscriminate dog breeding.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the awarding of the contract to PetsWA was another step forward as the government continues to implement ‘stop puppy farming’ reforms.

“PetsWA simplifies the registration process for dog and cat owners, and ensures their origins can be traced, making the cruel practice of puppy farming easier to identify and stamp out,” she said.

“Work to finalise regulations and guidelines to fully enact the reforms is progressing well and expected to take effect before the PetsWA system goes live.

“This is another milestone in the work we’re doing - you can do your bit too by choosing to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ from your local shelter.”

An awareness campaign is being planned to ensure the public and key stakeholders are aware of the changes before the new system is fully operational later in 2025.

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