2016-06-09
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. The RSPCA has raided two properties this week which could only be described as appalling, with dogs, cats and birds stuck in small cages, in filthy conditions, underfed and suffering a range of physical ailments due to those conditions. Four deceased dogs were also found, and it appears that one of the property owners is a registered dog breeder who sells dogs online and has already been banned from dog shows due to concerns about animal welfare and sales. In answer to questions on notice earlier this year from another member, the minister indicated that the RSPCA has received more than 120 reports and that 35 suspected activities are underway. How many raids has the RSPCA done on properties like this?
Ms PULFORD (Minister for Agriculture) — I thank Ms Pennicuik for her interest in this issue and indeed our work to crack down on puppy farms. I will provide an answer to Ms Pennicuik in writing.
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — I thank the minister for her indication that she will provide a written answer. My follow-up question is with regard to the regulation of puppy farms in this state, which has been an issue that has been debated in this chamber for many years and one that I have been pursuing for a long time. The minister said in November last year that she would bring legislation into Parliament in the first half of this year to conclude the work on puppy farms. Can the minister advise as to when that legislation will be forthcoming?
Ms PULFORD (Minister for Agriculture) — I thank the member for her question. I will provide a written response to that matter.
Written response provided 18 August 2016:
The Government greatly values the RSPCA Inspectorate’s work investigating and prosecuting animal welfare cases including the RSPCA’s work investigating and closing down illegal puppy farms. I am aware of the recent property ‘raids’ undertaken by the RSPCA in Longwood to which the Honourable Member for Southern Metropolitan Region refers.
I am advised that the RSPCA currently has 44 properties of interest that are at various stages of investigation. Reports are received either through the public making animal cruelty complaints or reports with the RSPCA, through request for assistance from local councils, or through the RSPCA’s tip-off program. Preliminary investigation, including intelligence gathering, commences once a report is lodged. Reports are triaged and prioritised for response in conjunction with the relevant local council.
Since 2015, the RSPCA has conducted 13 inspections on properties of interest where illegal breeding has been alleged and which have involved the RSPCA’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Out of the 13 inspections, 5 could be considered large scale ‘raids’, involving teams of RSPCA personnel, Victoria Police and local government. The SIU team is comprised of inspectors, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses who systematically assess the health and living conditions of all dogs/cats on the premises. Local councils also form part of the investigation team. Local councils investigate and enforce relevant planning legislation, domestic animal legislation, and local laws.
I am informed that ten of the RSPCA’s current investigations are in the brief preparation stage in relation to the possible breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. The RSPCA is also providing support to local councils with prosecutions under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 through the sharing of information and evidentiary materials.
I am also informed that since 2015, four prosecutions cases have been finalised by the RSPCA.
Legislation to implement the Andrews Labor Government’s election commitment will be introduced to the Parliament following the winter recess.