NSW has 3 enforcement bodies approved to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals Act 1979 (POCTA Act):

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
• Animal Welfare League (AWL)
• NSW Police

These enforcement bodies are authorised to conduct inspections that are eithertriggered by a welfare complaint or a regulated check of Code of Practicecompliance.

Your Rights if an Inspector Presents to your Property

• Most Inspectors will arrive unannounced. If their timing is not suitable to you e.g. you have a medical appointment to attend,or you’re about to go to work, or collect or drop off children etc. advise that you will need them to come back at a mutually convenient time. Get the Inspector’s details and make an appointment
• Inspectors can enter your property and out-buildings, but without your consent or a warrant (issued in serious animal welfare matters), they cannot come into your home
• You can have a friend or relative be with you during the conduct of an audit
• You can ask questions of the Inspector
• You do not have to answer all or some of the Inspector’s questions but you are encouraged to be polite and co-operate
• You can record the audit/inspection BUT you must ask the Inspector for consent
• You can ask that the audit/inspection not be recorded (enforcement bodies are permitted to record video and audio)

What do you need to do to prepare?

• Ensure you have read and understand the Animal WelfareCode of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats ‘Standards’ requirements
• https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/299803/Breeding-dogs-and-cats-code-of-practice.pdf
• Have a minimum of the last 3 years of records available for viewing

Records must cover:

• Full details and description of alldogs on the premises; all dogs need to be easily identified
• Vaccination, worming, flea/tick/mite control, heartworm preventative, pest control on property, whelping details, breeding details, puppy records, rehoming details, details of leased dogs, neutering/desexing details
• Evacuation plan
• Vet details
• Feeding guide/diet particulars
• Veterinary treatments
• Veterinary reports

The AWCOP references in 2.2 that:“It applies to the welfare of dogs and catswhich are involved in the business of breeding and raising puppies andkittens”.

• Neutered dogs do not fall under that category
• Ensure adequate facilities for the housing of dogs, providing:
• Pen sizes meeting minimum Standard at the least
• Sufficient bedding for all dogs
• Clean, dry environment

***It should be noted that the RSPCA Chief Inspector Scott Meyers hasrecently (16-12-2020) advised DOGS NSW that as long as boundary fencing meetsthe 1.8m height requirement OR that dog pens or housing is inside a buildingor shed that can securely confine the dogs, pen heights of less than 1.8mwithin those areas would meet compliance.

***PLEASE HAVE A COPY OF THE ANIMAL WELFARE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BREEDING DOGSAND CATS (AWCOP) WITH YOU DURING AN AUDIT/INSPECTION

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