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THREE public hearings into puppy factories and the regulation of pet breeding in NSW will start today. Northern Tablelands MP and chair of the Joint Select Committee on Companion Animal Breeding Practices, Adam Marshall, said they would meet in Armidale today and again in Sydney on Wednesday and Thursday to hear evidence from the public and other stakeholders. “The committee received more than 330 written submissions and 2200 items of correspondence to our inquiry, which is examining proposals for a breeders’ licensing system, the need for limits on the number of breeding animals per establishment and the regulation of pet sales,” Mr Marshall said. “For some time, locally and across the state, the community has been debating how to deal with puppy farms, and these public hearings will be an important opportunity to hear from community members and identify how to move ahead,” he said. In Armidale, the committee will hear from Armidale Dumaresq Council, local breeders and animal welfare advocates. Members will also be conducting an inspection of a local breeding facility. In Sydney a range of industry stakeholders, breeding groups and animal welfare advocates have been invited to give evidence, as well as regulators like the RSPCA, the Animal Welfare League and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. “We’re looking forward to speaking with the peak breeding organisations, pet industry bodies and veterinarians and hearing their views on the best ways to make sure that when a member of the public buys a puppy or a kitten they can be certain they come from an environment where the mum and dad enjoy good housing, nutrition and veterinary care,” Mr Marshall said. “We’ll hear from government agencies and non-government bodies on what measures can be taken to crack down on puppy farm breeders and ensure that the practice of putting profits before the welfare of companion animals ends in NSW. “The committee and I look forward to recommending to parliament and the government on how to deliver better outcomes for the public, breeders and retailers, and for the welfare of our pets.” Further information about the inquiry, including the hearing schedule and inquiry submissions, can be obtained by visiting the website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/cabpinquiry

Hearings into puppy factories start