Animal Welfare Code of Practice - Breeding dogs and cats

Summary

The Breeding Code sets the standards for the care and management of breeding dogs and cats. The Code was developed in consultation with stakeholders, including Animal Care Australia, Master Dog Breeders Association, Dogs NSW, Australian Federation of Livestock Working Dogs, NSW Farmers, Australian National Cats Inc., Cats NSW and NSW Cat Fanciers Association, as well as the animal welfare enforcement agencies - RSPCA NSW, the Animal Welfare League NSW and the NSW Police. The Code has been endorsed by the NSW Animal Welfare Advisory Council.

The Breeding Code of Practice currently applies to those involved in the business of breeding and raising puppies and kittens for fee or reward.

New Rules will apply:

• From 1 December 2025 – persons holding an exemption to the maximum cap of the number of female adult dogs will also be required to comply, and to take steps to ensure all staff members also comply.
• From 1 December 2029 – all dog breeders, regardless of whether the breeding was intentional or otherwise, or for fee or reward will be required to comply, and to take steps to ensure all staff members also comply.