Gold Coast City Council Breeder Permit Pilot Project for the Queensland Government Geoff Irwin, Coordinator Animal Management GCCC Protect, Educate & Prevent
The History 2006 Qld Govt decided to act to prevent high numbers of unwanted cats and dogs being euthanased in pounds and shelters in Qld (est. 30 000 per year 20 000 cats approx half kittens) 2007 Discussion Paper public strongly in favour of registration, microchipping, and desexing legislation 2008 UQ Research Early Age Desexing safe for kittens from 8 weeks Animal Management Cats and Dogs Act compulsory registration and microchipping at point of sale Pet Shop Code of Practice (voluntary) 2009/10 Qld Govt Pilot Projects - 4 Local Govts to trial desexing strategies GCCC Developed Legislation for Breeder Permits with Standards in a Code of Practice (including requirement to desex kittens prior to sale or transfer (unless to a permitted breeder) 2
Why have breeder permits been introduced as a model for State Government? To set the standard of what it acceptable for socially responsible breeding To deter people from unplanned breeding (can be fined if breeding without a permit) and provide an incentive to desex their cats (desexing subsidies available to help) To prevent unwanted kittens handed in to pounds and shelters To ensure that if cats do wander or are abandoned by their owners, at least they will be desexed i.e. not add to stray and feral numbers To enable consumers to identify responsible cat and dog breeders who ensure the health, safety and well-being of their breeding cats and kittens
What does a breeder permit involve? Cat or dog breeders (commercial, hobby, purebreed or cross-breed) now require a permit in order to comply with new legislation. In order to obtain a breeder permit breeders must comply with the minimum standards as set out in the Code of Practice. All breeders are required to identify their animals with a micro-chip prior to sale or transfer. All kittens must be desexed prior to sale or transfer. Breeders must include their permit number when advertising kittens for sale.
Process for issuing of breeder permits 1. Breeders submit an Application for animal breeder permit form and application fee 2. GCCC officers arrange an inspection to ensure compliance with the minimum standards as set out in the Code of Practice 3. Approved animal breeders receive a Certificate of Approval and a Permit Number
Application for animal breeder permit $369 for a 3 year permit. This covers the cost of a Council officer to visit the breeder, ascertain compliance with the Code of Practice, do the processing of the paperwork, and maintain records. Maximum of four breeding animals are to be kept at the property at any one time for the purpose of mating. An additional four non-breeding animals can also be kept on the property.
GCCC Inspection GCCC officers arrange an inspection to ensure compliance with the minimum standards as set out in the Code of Practice. GCCC officers work with breeders to assist with meeting the minimum standards, where applicable.
Approved Animal Breeder Issued with Certificate of Approval which details breeding animals and provides the official permit number. Amendments to the permit can be made anytime during its effective period. Gold Coast breeders must include their breeder permit number in advertisements for the sale of kittens.
Information Sessions Separate meetings for cat and dog breeders and non-pure breed breeders Explanation of the history, purpose and process Representatives of Breed organisations presented their perspectives Addressed concerns i.e. regarding pet limits Opportunity to submit question cards so breeders could remain anonymous if they wished
Questions?
Gold Coast City Council PO Box 5042 Gold Coast MC Qld 9729 Ph: 5581 6664 Web: goldcoastcity.com.au sc