NSW DPI Pet Shop Code - Disturbing Issue
Posted: 26 Jan 2018, 10:17
Hi everyone
We recently uncovered a most disturbing proposed change to the NSW DPI (Department of Primary Industries) definition of a pet shop to include "premises used for residential purposes and any associated structures". This definition essentially classifies anyone selling animals from home as a pet shop (and may also encompass bird sales). Pet shops have a whole raft of legal requirements and red tape irrelevant to private breeders. We have confirmed with senior DPI staff that the above is an accurate assessment of the intent of the proposed change.
We are communicating with other animal groups. Dogs NSW is well aware and actively opposing - they have met with the Minister already - some positive signs. Note that there are additional issues involved for Dog and Cat breeders and additional issues for actual Pet Shop owners.
After much lobbying and phone calls we now have a meeting scheduled for February 2nd 2018 at the Sydney office of the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Niall Blair MLC. His senior advisor (Ag) together with senior DPI staff from Orange will attend. I will represent the interests of aviculture along with another representative yet to be announced.
A full update on progress will be provided at the CCBFA meeting on February 7th and we look forward to your club's delegate attending.
Regards
Sam
Sam Davis
Vice President – Government Liaison
Canary and Cage Bird Federation of Australia
We recently uncovered a most disturbing proposed change to the NSW DPI (Department of Primary Industries) definition of a pet shop to include "premises used for residential purposes and any associated structures". This definition essentially classifies anyone selling animals from home as a pet shop (and may also encompass bird sales). Pet shops have a whole raft of legal requirements and red tape irrelevant to private breeders. We have confirmed with senior DPI staff that the above is an accurate assessment of the intent of the proposed change.
We are communicating with other animal groups. Dogs NSW is well aware and actively opposing - they have met with the Minister already - some positive signs. Note that there are additional issues involved for Dog and Cat breeders and additional issues for actual Pet Shop owners.
After much lobbying and phone calls we now have a meeting scheduled for February 2nd 2018 at the Sydney office of the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Niall Blair MLC. His senior advisor (Ag) together with senior DPI staff from Orange will attend. I will represent the interests of aviculture along with another representative yet to be announced.
A full update on progress will be provided at the CCBFA meeting on February 7th and we look forward to your club's delegate attending.
Regards
Sam
Sam Davis
Vice President – Government Liaison
Canary and Cage Bird Federation of Australia