PIAA SUCCESSFUL WITH 2 MAJOR PROJECTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PET INDUSTRY MOVES TO STAMP OUT IMPULSE PURCHASES THIS CHRISTMAS 

The Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) has today announced that industry has now reached agreement on a tough new Code of Practice – effectively ending scope for impulse purchases this Christmas. 

Industry is working cooperatively with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the Australian Veterinary Association, the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare League to get agreement on the new Code of Practice. 

PIAA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Colin Bransgrove, said that he looked forward to partnership with the Government in drafting a new Code. 

“Industry stands ready and willing to work with Government authorities to better care for our animals,” Mr Bransgrove said. 

“This new code will place further pressure on ‘rogue’ traders – such as those on the internet, in local markets and puppy mills – to conform with the high standards of our industry,” Mr Bransgrove said. 

The new code would likely include the following commitments as approved by PIAA member stores:   

  1. That there be a total ban on sale of dogs and cats to persons under the age of 18.
  2. That there be a total ban on the sale of pets from markets.
  3. That animals be sold with a cooling off period and a seven day health guarantee.
  4. That agreed information be distributed to new pet owners so they are aware of animal health and welfare needs and the full implications of  pet ownership..
  5. That any cat or dog advertised must be at least 8 weeks of age and include vaccination and micro chipping details.   
  6. That there be mandatory vaccination certificates for all sales of dogs and cats.
  7. That all dogs and cats be permanently identified with the implantation of a micro-chip.
  8. That industry be consulted with a view to establishing a national Code of Practice.
  9. That all cats and dogs sold be either de-sexed or sold with de-sexing information and incentives to de-sex such as a discounted de-sexing voucher from a veterinarian.
  10. That compulsory records of commercial sales be kept – including the name and address of all purchasers.
  11. That all commercial sellers must keep a record of all cats and dogs bred or purchased – including the name and address of the supplier of the animal.
  12. That illegal operation of animal sales be enforced by authorities – with full force of the law.

Mr Bransgrove said that the Association had met extensively with pet shop owners in forging agreement on the plan. 

“Clearly, pet shop owners are leading the way in promoting higher standards of animal care,” Mr Bransgrove said. 

“The new code of practice is the result of countless meetings with our members. 

“It effectively ends the prospect of impulse purchasing, with cooling off periods, point-of-sale education material and a ban on sales to under 18’s,” Mr Bransgrove said. 

Mr Bransgrove said that the Code of Practice clearly obviated the need for Ms Clover Moore’s bill presented to NSW Parliament – purporting to ban the sale of mammals in pet shops.

 

PET INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA CALLS FOR OUTRIGHT BAN ON IPOND SPEAKER 

The Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) has come out supporting calls for a ban on the iPond music speaker that doubles as a fish tank for a Siamese fighting fish.  

The PIAA is the peak pet industry association in Australia and it represents over 650 members including retailers and manufacturers. The Chief Executive Officer of PIAA Mr Colin Bransgrove said today PIAA had not been consulted about the development or the sale of the iPod accessory product in the Australian market.   

Mr Bransgrove said the product is a real concern as it raises fish welfare issues and does not appear to be sold with adequate buyer awareness as to the needs of the fish. “While Siamese fighting fish have evolved naturally to live in confined water bodies this product appears to be taking this unique evolutionary trait too far. The PIAA has specific concerns for the fish relating to the small and restrictive volume of water; the impact of loud noise and the maintenance of water quality over time”.  

Mr Bransgrove said PIAA retail members are required to provide customers buying fish with informative information on the requirements for fish health and well being including the provision of written ‘pet care’ fact sheets.

LATE NEWS JUST TO HAND

Following discussions between the Pet Industry Association the Department of Primary Industry and Pets Paradise,  Pets Paradise have confirmed their commitment to have the product removed from all  Pets Paradise Stores  it was announced by PIAA CEO Mr Colin Bransgrove at 2:00pm on 18th Dec.

Through PIAA, key national industry specialists in ornamental fish management are working with NSW Government and welfare agencies to establish acceptable guidelines for the keeping of Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens).