Most dogs offered for sale in pet shops, markets and online classifieds come from puppy farms where dogs are treated as breeding machines and denied their basic needs. The sole purpose is to flood the market with as many cute puppies as possible at maximum profit. They are underground facilities with no animal welfare oversight.

The Parliament finally passed laws to outlaw these puppy farms through new caps on breeding dogs, staff to dog ratios, and per dog birth limits. The government bill delivers its election commitment and reflects something I have called for since I was elected, including with the Honourable Emma Hurst of the Animal Justice Party, whose bill I planned to introduce in the Legislative Assembly.

During debate I outlined other reforms that are needed to stamp out puppy farming for good including removing exemptions for greyhound breeding, lowering caps and restricting pet shop sales to rescues. I also called for more funding for the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League, who have had their funding cut in half and will struggle to enforce the new laws with fewer resources.

Animals should not be treated as commodities. Our laws need to catch up with the science that continues to uncover that animals have emotionally rich experiences and need love and companionship. Ending animal cruelty is a step in ending suffering in the world.

My speech > HERE.