This month the Queensland Government has introduced new laws regarding the breeding of puppies. These laws will apply to all puppies born after the 26th of May 2017.

What do the new laws mean?

• If your dog has puppies after the 26/5/17, you will need a Supply Number (for more information and on how to get one, please see the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries website - there should be a link available after the 26th). For the next two years, it will be free to register.
• Puppies need to be at least 8 weeks of age when they go to their new homes (from the Animal Management Act (Cats and Dogs) 2008)
• Puppies must be microchipped BEFORE they go to their new homes, and their microchip registration details changed at the point of sale / transfer (also from the Animal Management Act (Cats and Dogs) 2008)

The only exceptions are for primary producers who are selling or giving away pups to other primary producers, to be used as working dogs. To see if your dogs qualify as working dogs go here. If any of the pups in the litter are going to become pets, then the farmer will need to register as a breeder and get a Supply Number. 

At this point in time, these new laws only apply to dog breeders. However, the microchipping laws still apply to cats (i.e. all cats must be over 8 weeks of age and microchipped before they are sold to or given to their new homes). Cats are not recognised as working animals.... :)