Clover Moore introduces a Bill to Parliament prohibiting the sale of all mammals in pet shops

Thursday 18 October 2007 - Clover Moore introduced the Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill 2007 to the NSW State Parliament. If passed then the sale of all mammals including, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats would be banned from pet shops in New South Wales.

All those in the industry need to unite and fight this proposed law.  The PIAA has issued some material to help and can be found by clicking on the link. There is also a meeting to be held - see details opposite.

Media Release

Petition against Clover Moore's Bill

Copy of the Bill

Getting the petition signed by your customers will be very important - please download and encourage your customers to sign. It is also important for NSW pet shop owners to approach your local state member and encourage some support. Some important points to quote follow:

Ms Moore’s main argument is the number of animals that are put down by the RSPCA each year (the numbers vary but could be up to 60,000). It is believed that 85% of these animals do not have micro-chips therefore did not come from a pet shop, as pet shops have been micro-chipping cats and dogs for the past 5 years. The other 15% that are chipped will have names and address of the owners – it is unsure why these were destroyed other than maybe they were old, sick or viscous.  

            Pet Shops account for less than 15% of total dogs sold. The majority of sales of dogs and cats are made through friends/relatives, breeders, animal shelters and newspaper advertisements. 

            The Bill blatantly discriminates against a highly visible and increasingly regulated pet shop retailers as a legitimate place to sell pets. The Bill denies one section of the industry to sell mammals while allowing another. 

            Ms Moore is also concerned about impulse buying.  Most puppies sell for between $500.00 and $1,500.00 therefore unlikely to be an impulse purchase.  Responsible pet stores offer advice about the responsibilities of owning a pet prior to sale and offer a return policy (generally 3-4 days) if the pet does not work out. 

            The ramifications of the new laws will mean the closure of many business and certainly staff reductions where the care of animals was required. It will create a black market in animal sales – cats and dogs will not be micro-chipped, vaccinated or vet checked. Pet shops that take in unwanted kittens and find homes for them after they are micro-chip, vaccinated and vet check will not be able to do so (approximately 10,000 to 15,000 per year). 

            Another major concern is that a penalty notice may be served on an offending pet shop by an officer of the Animal Liberation, NSW. 

            The welfare of the animals is the industries prime concern and although they believe Ms Moore’s motive is the same she has certainly not done her homework and the ramifications to a $4.26b industry will have a great affect of those working in it.