Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith, has welcomed the announcement that the NSW Government will target illegal companion animal breeders through a dedicated 'Puppy Factory Taskforce'.
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Nathaniel Smith said that puppy factories are in clear breach of the State's robust animal protection laws, and the taskforce, within RSPCA NSW, would allow them to weed out bad operators.
"I strongly condemn any acts of cruelty perpetrated against animals, and this Government won't be shy in going after breeders who put profits first and animals second," he said.
Mr Smith said that the new taskforce will consist of four new RSPCA inspectors (six in total) who will spend their time inspecting breeding facilities across the state.
"The new taskforce will ensure breeders are meeting the NSW Government's robust animal welfare requirements," Mr Smith said.
"Demand for pets has risen during the COVID-19 period and so too has reports of puppy factories, so the Government has made it a priority to commit additional resources at this growing and deeply concerning problem.
"To the breeders doing the wrong thing in the Wollondilly electorate which includes parts of the Southern Highlands, this is your last warning, do the right thing or you will have our enforcement officers on your doorstep."
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman welcomed the crackdown, which he said would help ensure the 'Puppy Factory Taskforce' was better equipped to monitor the status of animal welfare by proactively working with breeders.
"This is a win for animal welfare, but also a win for all the breeders across the state who are doing the right thing and who care very deeply for the animals they work with," Mr Coleman said.
Under current rules, any breeder found to be doing the wrong thing can have their animals seized, fines up to $22,000 and jail time of up to two years per offence.
RSPCA Inspectors have carried out 22 raids so far this financial year (since July 1, 2020) compared to 51 in total for the last financial year.
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