Victorians can now find out where their new pet has come from, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Pet Exchange Register which comes into effect on 1 July 2019.
Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes visited the RSPCA’s headquarters to detail how the new system will make it easier to detect and crack down on illegal puppy farms.
From July 1 2019, all advertisements of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens for sale or free rehoming will need to include a source number linked to a person, breeder, business, rescue group, foster network or shelter.
The Pet Exchange Register will give Victorians peace of mind that their new furry family member has been bred ethically with animal welfare as a priority, allowing them to find out exactly where it’s come from.
All Victorians are encouraged to check the Pet Exchange Register to validate the source number in advertisements before buying or adopting a new pet. If there’s no source number – report the ad, and don’t buy the pet.
The launch of the Register builds on the Victorian Government’s puppy farm legislation – with pet shops no longer permitted to sell dogs or cats unless they are from a registered shelter, pound or voluntarily-registered foster carer. In addition, breeders are banned from owning a pet shop or shelter.
Source: Vic Government