Press Release
For Immediate Release
November 26, 2007

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SUBMISSION OF URBAN ANIMAL MAGAZINE - PAGE 7

Currently in Australia, there are a large number of so called 'pet stores' of which 20% by our estimate sell either dogs, cats, birds, small mammals or other live animals in addition to supplies. We estimate that 80% of the stores do not sell livestock and may more easily be referred to as 'pet supply outlets'.

Of the ones which currently sell any type of live animal, certain initial standards should be met by inspection to give those operators of a high standard the right to continue their business of selling animals in addition to other products or services and those that do not meet these standards be only allowed to sell products and provide services excluding the vending of animals.

What we believe should happen in NSW is a program where stores have to earn the right to continue to sell livestock and over a year, the ones that meet and maintain the standards can continue with biannual surprise inspections. Those that don't must suspend their sale of livestock until approved again. Those attempting to start selling livestock, not having done so before or in those premises must meet certain criteria in advance and be subject to quarterly inspection. The right to sell livestock would not automatically pass from one owner to the next on sale of the business but would require quarterly inspections in the first year following the sale. Those that have operated successfully would be inspected twice a year. Display of grading would be mandatory. Fines for violations should be stiff. Any abuse offences should also have the punishment of jail time if deemed appropriate.

There should be consultation with the industry organisations which should assist in setting standards, promote the training and certification schemes within their auspices, but the regulation should be state controlled with the industry participating. The PIAA is only one of several organisations that should be involved along with the RSPCA, Dogs NSW, the AVA, Animal Welfare League and other relevant bodies.

While we agree that there is room for responsible sale of domestic mammals such as dogs, cats, birds, small animals and also fish, the general sale of reptiles, amphibians and wildlife should not be introduced in NSW at retail at present, until the areas of domestic pets issues are cleared in legislation. Due to the high level of knowledge of care, nutrition and also housing and environmental factors, most reptiles and wildlife are not suitable for ordinary pet owners and require levels of care and feeding that are beyond the abilities of untrained and unlicensed people.

To that end, the current licensing of reptiles should be changed as presently it only requires payment of a $60 (approx) license fee to get a basic reptile ownership license--but with no proof of age, testing, background check, knowledge or other crucial factors that would affect the buyer's ability to care and maintain the health of the animals. This is a major error in the State handling of this animal category. And as far as we can see, there is no way that we can support nor should the Government allow the commercial sale of wildlife at retail level in the foreseeable future.

We appreciate that Parliamentarians face a challenge to implement an equitable set of laws and policies to address the concerns of a broad range of interested parties. We believe that our proposal may be the basis of a fair and workable solution to the conundrum.

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