Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Dog management

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) presented a petition bearing 111 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the urgent need to reduce accidental breeding, improve animal welfare, and address the overpopulation crisis in shelters and pounds by mandating desexing for all dogs used for breeding purposes at six years of age.

Female dogs used for breeding beyond six years of age face significant health risks, including uterine infections, difficult pregnancies, and early mortality. Yet many micro and backyard breeders continue to overbreed their animals, ignoring the welfare implications. Overbreeding and accidental litters contribute directly to the oversupply of animals, with many dogs abandoned, surrendered, or euthanised when shelters cannot cope with demand.

The introduction of mandatory desexing for breeding dogs by six years of age, subject to veterinary exceptions, would prevent further accidental litters and address overpopulation and abandonments. This reform is essential to protecting animal welfare, supporting responsible pet ownership, and reducing the burden on rehoming organisations.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to introduce legislation for mandatory desexing of all dogs used for breeding purposes by six years of age, including by micro and backyard breeders, unless medically inadvisable, and impose penalties for non-compliance.