New system to help stamp out ‘cruel practice’ of puppy farming in WA
A $9.8 million contract to help put a stop to puppy farming in WA has been handed out by the state government.
Seisma Group, who received the contract, will replace all dog and cat registers currently managed by every local government with a new online system called PetsWA that will be used by owners, local governments, rangers and rescue organisations.
It will enable local governments to identify cases of puppy farming through improved visibility of pet registrations and transfers, and breeders across the state.
Historical registration data will also be migrated from 139 local governments during the development phase of the online system.
Regulations are being drafted to enact the Stop Puppy Farming reforms, which introduces mandatory registration of dog breeders, transitions pet shops to adoption centres, and mandatory sterilisation of dogs from two years, unless exempt or already registered.
An awareness campaign is being planned to ensure the public and key stakeholders are aware of the changes before the new system is fully operational later in 2025.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the new system would ensure the origin of pets could be traced, “making the cruel practice of puppy farming easier to identify and stamp out.”
“This is another milestone in the work we’re doing – you can do your bit too by choosing to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ from your local shelter,” she said.
