LOCAL MP Adam Marshall said it was “highly likely” that at least one hearing for the state’s inquiry into companion animal breeding would be held in his electorate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Marshall was appointed chairperson of the committee charged with redeveloping recommendations to state parliament on commercial companion animal breeding by August 31.
“I can’t say for certain that it will be in the Northern Tablelands, but I can say that it is highly likely that there will be at least one hearing to take oral evidence here in the Northern Tablelands, obviously because this has been a very big issue in our region,” Mr Marshall said.
The first meeting of the committee was held on Thursday, May 14. Calls for submissions will be open until June 15.
“Look, it is not about saying you can’t breed companion animals in the state, but clearly, we can’t allow the current situation to continue where there are virtually no rules,” he said.
“If I wanted to set up a puppy breeding facility tomorrow, I could. There is no monitoring and I think that has led to what we have seen where a lot of people have been caught abusing animals because there is no licensing (and) there is no regulations around it.”
Following the recent RSPCA inspection of a breeding facility near Inverell, an RSCPA spokesperson confirmed that the 16 animals, surrendered as part of the inspection, were transported for veterinary examination at the Hunter Animal Shelter.
When asked about the condition of the animals, the spokesperson said:
“We are waiting on confirmation of these details and unfortunately, even when it becomes available, our ability to share anything other than general information will be limited as these details will most likely become the subject of a court case.”
The RSPCA was unable to comment on the exact location of the surrendered animals.
“I am awaiting the details but at this stage as I understand it these animals are either with us or in foster care,” the spokesperson said.
As the parliamentary committee gets underway, which could prove to be a precursor for companion animal breeding legislation, Mr Marshall reiterated his stance that strict industry regulation was needed.
“That is what we have been tasked to recommend back to government how this industry should be regulated and what rules should be in place to ensure that animal welfare is certainly paramount and that we have a proper licensing scheme to weed out these rogues and make sure that the good breeders are protected by high standards and those standards are met.”
