CHAIR of State Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Companion Animal Breeding Practices in NSW, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, said he was looking forward to bringing the committee to the region next month to hold a public hearing as part of its current inquiry into puppy factories.
Mr Marshall said the committee’s inquiry had attracted an enormous amount interest across the state, receiving more than 350 written submissions and 2,200 items of correspondence, at the close of submissions on Monday.
He said the committee would now begin the task of considering submissions and also preparing the details, including witness lists, for its three public hearing days next month – two in Sydney and one in Armidale, on Tuesday, 14 July.
“The committee is working to a tight deadline with the parliament requiring us to report back with our findings and recommendations by the end of August,” Mr Marshall said.
“There is a huge amount of material, with technical and legal details, to take into consideration – and we recognise there is great interest in the work we’re doing and a lot of strong feelings surrounding these issues as well.
“We must also ensure we are thorough in our work and present a comprehensive report with solid recommendations to Parliament.”
Mr Marshall said submissions were received from a wide range of key stakeholders, including breeders, pet shop owners, government and non-government agencies and interested members of the public.
During its visit to Armidale, Mr Marshall said the committee would hear evidence and ask questions of a number of witnesses from the region and also conduct a site visit.
“I’m looking forward to having the inquiry in our region to hear first-hand from people involved in companion animal breeding and also those who have been impacted by the actions and practices of puppy factory operators,” Mr Marshall said.
The committee, which was established last month, is investigating regulations in other jurisdictions, the introduction of a breeders’ licensing system, a limit placed on the number of dogs breeders are allowed to keep, the implications of banning the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores and any legislative changes that may be required.
Further information about the inquiry can be obtained by visiting the Committee’s website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/cabpinquiry