Tuesday, 12 August 2025

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (12:05): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Domestic Animals Act 1994 in relation to the rehoming of dogs and cats and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

 Emma KEALY (Lowan) (12:05): I ask the minister for a brief explanation of the bill.

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (12:05): The bill delivers on recommendations from the pet-rehoming working group and will allow for a voluntary, benefits-based authorisation scheme designed to assist pet-rehoming organisations in their important work. The amendments also clarify powers of entry for authorised officers to enter premises, excluding any building or vehicle used as a residence, in order to determine compliance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994. It will amend the Domestic Animals Act to clarify that a specific class of dog entitled to a reduced registration fee can be prescribed in regulations.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.