The Queensland Government has introduced new laws to promote the responsible breeding of dogs. These new laws will provide the tools – including a Dog Breeder Register – to help locate breeders who place profit before the welfare of their dogs.
When does Queensland dog breeder register start?
The Animal Management (Protecting Puppies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 commenced on 26 May 2017. You are able to register as a breeder on the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.
Who needs to register as a dog breeder
Anyone who breeds a dog will need to register as a dog breeder, unless they are a breeder of genuine working dogs.
You have to register as a dog breeder, even if:
- you only want your dog to have one litter
- your puppies are well looked after and in a safe environment
- you don’t sell the puppies but give them to family and friends
- your dog has had an unplanned litter.
The person needing to register would generally be the owner of the dog, however pounds and shelters that are likely to have pregnant females or abandoned puppies in their care which will be rehomed also need to register.
Animal rescue groups who also advertise, sell or give away dogs that have come into their possession need to register if the dog they are advertising, selling or giving away does not have a Supply Number.
If puppies or dogs born before 26 May 2017 are being given away, sold, supplied or advertised, do they need to be registered?
No. The legislation does not apply to dogs born before 26 May 2017.
What happens after I register?
When you become registered as a dog breeder, you will be issued with a breeder identification number (BIN) which is the supply number for every dog you breed. This supply number must be included in the microchip details for each dog you breed and be displayed when a dog is given away, supplied, sold or advertised.
Your registration is for 12 months and if you want to continue breeding dogs, you will need to renew your registration annually.
If your registration details change, you must update your registration details within 7 days of the changes coming into effect.
Does the Queensland Dog Breeder Register cover cats?
No. The new law and the Queensland Dog Breeder Register does not apply to cats.
For further information, please call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.
Do I need to register?
A breeder is any person who has, or is responsible for, any female dog that has a litter. It does not matter how many dogs are owned, and the breed of the dog is not relevant.
I only have a litter or two of puppies each year as a hobby – am I considered a breeder?
Yes. You must register as a breeder if you have, or are responsible for, a dog that has a litter.
What do I do if my dog was already pregnant when the laws began?
You need to register as a breeder and get a supply number within 28 days of the litter being born.
I don’t make money from my dogs. I give them away to family, friends or neighbours – am I considered a breeder?
Yes. You must register as a breeder if you have, or are responsible for, a dog that has a litter.
My dog is pregnant by accident – an unplanned litter – am I considered a breeder?
Yes. You must register as a breeder if you have, or are responsible for, a dog that has a litter.
If I temporarily supply my male dog for breeding purposes, do I need a supply number?
No. The law only applies to a female dog that gives birth to a litter.
I only want to breed one litter so I can keep one of the puppies – can I get an exemption?
No. You must register as a breeder if you have, or are responsible for, a dog that has a litter.
Why do the regulations cover non-commercial breeders?
It is important that every breeder (except for those exempted, such as breeders of genuine working dog) is registered to help ensure irresponsible breeders can be identified and action can be taken to ensure the welfare of the dogs.
What if I have a dog I did not breed and I want to give it to another person?
If the dog does not have a supply number, before this dog is given away, supplied, advertised or sold you must create an account online and apply for a Breeder Exemption Number (BEN).
For further information, please call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.
Will the sale of dogs through pet shops be banned?
Provided pet shops comply with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, as well as the new laws introduced on 26 May 2017, dogs and puppies can be sold through pet shops.
Will pet shops sell my puppies if I’m not registered?
No. Under these new laws, it is illegal for a pet shop to give away, supply, sell or advertise puppies without a supply number identifying you as the breeder.
Can I still sell my puppies online, privately or through a pet shop?
Yes. However, from 26 May 2017, if you sell a dog or puppy through a pet shop or retailer, they must use the supply number identifying you as the breeder.
If someone else gives away, supplies, sells or advertises your puppies, they must use the supply number identifying you as the breeder.
From 26 May 2017, it is a breach of the law to give away, supply, sell or advertise a dog or puppies born on or after that date without a supply number that identifies the origin of the dog.
For further information, please call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.
I am a primary producer breeding working dogs – am I considered a breeder?
Primary producers that breed working dogs do not have to register as breeders, as long as they supply all puppies to other primary producers as working dogs.
However, primary producers who breed working dogs must register as a breeder if they supply any dogs for purposes other than as working dogs.
What is the definition of a working dog?
A working dog means a dog usually kept or proposed to be kept on rural land by an owner who is a primary producer, or a person engaged or employed by a primary producer.
The dog is to be kept primarily for the purpose of droving, protecting, tending, or working stock, or is being trained in droving, protecting, tending, or working stock.
I am breeding from my working dog and will be providing a puppy to another person as a pet – do I need to register?
You must register as a breeder if you are a breeder of a working dog and a puppy will be supplied to a person other than a primary producer, or will not be used as a working dog (e.g. sold to a neighbour as a pet).
Are pig-dogs considered to be a ‘working dog’?
No. Under the law, the definition of a working dog is limited to working dogs kept on rural land for droving, protecting, tending or working stock. It does not include managing feral animals.
For further information, please call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.
Is there a penalty if I sell my puppies and I’m not registered and don’t have a supply number?
Yes. It is an offence if you fail to register as a breeder and you are giving away, supplying, selling or advertising your dog’s puppies born on or after 26 May 2017 without a supply number.
How can I make a complaint about a breeder with no supply number?
The Queensland Dog Breeder Register allows you to lodge concerns about a breeder or the welfare of a dog, and this information will be referred to the appropriate authorities for action.
You can report an unregistered breeder or a person supplying a puppy without a supply number through the Queensland Dog Breeder Register, or through your relevant local government.
For further information, please call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.
What does it cost to register as a breeder to obtain a supply number?
There is currently no fee to register as a breeder.
For further information, please call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.