The NSW Government has released 'Animal Welfare Code of Practice - Breeding dogs and cats', designed to strengthen animal welfare standards.
Great work Minister Macdonald!
Ian Macdonald: “(The Code of Practice) clearly outlines minimum standards that must be met by commercial breeders planning to sell a litter, and industry best practice requirements that breeders should aspire to meet. Most breeders already meet the high standards set out in the code, but those not meeting the new standards must now lift their game.”
This is a great start. I would also like to see:
1. Government review the Animal Cruelty Act and enforce MUCH higher penalties/jail time to person/s who commit acts of cruelty to animals.
2. Pet owner licenses become mandatory. I think pet owners should have to take a test (like a driving theory test) covering health care, animal psychology, positive training methods, plus information specific to the type of animal / breed they are planning to own. I think if people understood things like; Labradors are HIGH ENERGY or Golden Retrievers will pine if left on their own outside, then far fewer animals would suffer - or end up in the pound.
It seems strange to me that humans have to take driving tests to operate a car, but don't have to pass any form of education / training to be 100% responsible for a fully dependent living being.
What do you think?
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