Dog Breeding Rules Face Review

Victoria’s commercial dog breeding laws are set to be reviewed, with the State Government examining whether the current rules remain effective in protecting animal welfare and preventing puppy farming.

The review will focus on the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the regulation of commercial dog breeders, with a particular emphasis on whether the existing framework continues to meet modern standards.

A key part of the review is whether the current limit of 50 fertile female dogs per commercial breeder remains appropriate.

The review will also consider whether the laws reflect community expectations around how breeding dogs are housed, cared for and managed.

The government will examine whether the existing regulations are still achieving their intended purpose or whether changes are needed to close potential loopholes that could allow large-scale puppy farming operations to continue.

Under the current system, breeders with between 11 and 50 fertile female dogs must register with their local council as a breeding business before receiving approval from the Minister for Agriculture to operate as a commercial dog breeder.

Smaller breeders are subject to different regulatory requirements.

Victoria introduced some of Australia’s toughest anti-puppy farming laws in recent years, including limits on the number of fertile female dogs commercial breeders can keep, along with stricter regulation of dog breeding businesses and pet sales.

The review follows broader changes to Victoria’s animal welfare framework over recent years, including reforms aimed at supporting animal shelters, rescue organisations and responsible pet ownership.

Once complete, the review will help determine whether further legislative changes are needed to strengthen animal welfare protections, support responsible breeders and ensure Victoria’s laws continue to address modern breeding practices.