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PUBLISHED ON: 9 August 2013
UPDATE October 2013 — Government commits to banning euthanasia by blunt force trauma. Read more »
The Government's proposed code of practice for rearing and breeding of animals is — in comparison to previous versions — weaker, narrower and, if made law, will result in worse conditions for dogs and cats.
Thankfully, kind members of the community made submissions in overwhelming numbers on the draft code, urging changes in the law that will provide more protection for animals, not less. These submissions — all 21,000 of them — are now being considered by the Government.
Life for dogs in puppy factories is bleak. Investigations have revealed dogs being confined in cramped enclosures with no access to food and water; no bedding; no exercise; no heat on freezing nights; no access to sunlight; and dogs even being permanently kept on wire floored cages.
What would the Government's proposed new standards mean for dogs? If these changes are agreed to, then:
- dogs will legally be able to be confined in puppy factories for their entire lives;
- female breeding dogs will be able to be bred more often, with no limit for males; and
- dogs no longer deemed profitable may be euthanased via 'any method', which could include shooting or being beaten over the head with a blunt object. UPDATE October 2013: The Government has now committed to banning euthanasia by blunt force trauma!
Our feline friends have drawn the short straw too, with the revised code recommending that cats only need to be fed once a day; diminishing or removing completely requirements for health checks and vaccinations; allowing animals with hereditary defects to be used for breeding; and allowing mating between second degree relatives.
The fact that the Victorian Government seems to be going soft on this Code means dogs and cats need you more than ever. Find out how you can help stop puppy mills, and learn more about companion animal issues in Australia.
