Puppy Farms
What is a puppy farm?
A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility that is operated under conditions that fail to meet the dogs’ behavioural, social and/or physiological needs. Puppy farms are usually large-scale commercial operations, but inadequate conditions may also exist in small volume breeding establishments which may or may not be run for profit.
What can be done to end puppy farming?
RSPCA Australia considers puppy farming to be a significant national animal welfare issue. To attempt to address puppy farming at a national level, RSPCA Australia released a Discussion Paper (January 2010) on the issue. We received over 100 responses which were used to help develop a document presenting a potential way forward to end puppy farming in Australia. In August 2010, RSPCA Australia convened a meeting involving a number of key stakeholders to work through the draft document.
The resulting document - End Puppy Farming - The Way Forward (December 2010) presented a series of problems, desired outcomes and recommended ways forward which, if implemented, would bring a complete end to puppy farming in Australia.
The latest document Legislating to End Puppy Farming – The Way Forward (January 2012) outlines how state and territory governments may seek to implement these strategieswithin their animal management and welfare legislative regimes.
How can I help?
You can help us close the legal loopholes and help us bring an end to puppy farming:
- Sign up to our Close Puppy Factories campaign
- Become a Smart Puppy Advocate - tell your friends and family how to avoid supporting puppy farms
- What is a puppy farm?
- What is a backyard breeder?
- What is a registered breeder?
- What is a responsible companion animal breeder?
- Are there laws that require breeders to meet certain standards of care?
- How do I avoid supporting puppy farms?