Remaining dogged over welfare causes
Tasmania lags behind in dog welfare as NSW leads with puppy farm ban, and a Tasmanian MP calls for stronger family violence laws to protect pets.
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania is continuing to campaign for the rights and welfare of the state’s dogs, as the New South Wales Parliament recently passed legislation to outlaw puppy farms.
While NSW is one of the last mainland states to pass such laws, Tasmania — which has the highest rates of pet ownership in Australia — continues to lag behind.
Meanwhile, a private members bill to strengthen Tasmania’s family violence laws by adding a provision relating to animals has passed the House of Assembly.
“The Family Violence Amendment (Protecting People and Their Pets Bill) 2024 provides that harm or threats of harm to an animal with the intent to coerce, intimidate or control a person’s spouse or partner, is a form of family violence,” said Franklin Independent MP David O’Byrne, who introduced the bill.
“Tragically, research shows that it is common for family violence perpetrators to harm or threaten harm to animals including pets. Tasmania is still the only jurisdiction where harm to animals is not explicitly recognised as a potential form of family violence.”
The bill will now be considered by the Legislative Council.
Many of the new laws in NSW will not come into effect until 1 December, 2025. “The new laws will mandate minimum standards that apply to all dog breeders,” The Guardian Australia reported.
“These include mandatory breeder identification, a maximum of 20 female adult dogs per premises, lifetime breeding limits, staff-to-dog carer ratios, a mandatory code of practice, advertising rules, and penalties.”
The laws follow similar measures introduced in Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. South Australia introduced a bill with stricter laws for dog breeders this year.
Click the button below to learn more about the Tasmanian Government’s public consultation on proposed reforms to the Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations and have your say. This is our opportunity to help create a legal framework that truly reflects our values and protects dogs from exploitation and mistreatment.
