On 21 November 2024, new laws came into effect to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across the state by implementing a range of measures to ban puppy farming.
These measures lay out a robust and modernised regulatory system for all breeders to deliver good animal welfare without imposing undue regulatory burden on legitimate breeders.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA) and the Companion Animals Act 1998 have been amended relating to dog breeding and the advertising of dogs for sale or transfer, and other related purposes.
Cap on maximum number of female adult dogs
From 21 November 2024 any new premises is subject to a mandatory cap of 20 female dogs that are over 6 months of age and not rendered permanently infertile (i.e. desexed).
Until 1 December 2025, breeders with more than 20 female adult dogs on their premises will not be in breach of the cap, as long as they do not exceed the number of female adult dogs they had on 24 October 2024.
Breeders submitting a temporary exemption application must provide evidence to the Office of Local Government to support their exemption request.
From 1 December 2025, breeders who have a valid exemption from the Office of Local Government must meet certain conditions, including submitting an annual breeding report.
From 1 December 2025
Mandatory breeder identification number
All persons breeding dogs must obtain a mandatory breeder identification number (BIN) to increase transparency of the sector and assist people acquiring a puppy to purchase from an ethical breeder. A BIN is issued free of charge when you create a breeder profile on the NSW Pet Registry.
Limited exemptions apply e.g. rehoming organisations caring for a surrendered pregnant dog, farmers breeding working dogs that will remain on their land.
Staffing requirements
One staff member for every 20 dogs over 12 weeks of age, will be mandatory to ensure that sufficient care, food and water are provided. Litters of dogs under 12 weeks of age will be counted as one, in recognition of the critical role played by the female parent.
Lifetime breeding limits
Lifetime breeding limits will apply for female dogs, with a maximum of five litters in total during their lifetime, or up to three caesarean litters with veterinarian approval, whichever occurs first.
Advertising requirements
Strengthened advertising requirements for the sale or transfer of dogs come into effect, and certain identification information to be disclosed prior to the sale or transfer of dogs born on 1 December 2025 or after.
Breeders will no longer be able to use their recognised breeder number from their dog breeding association as identification.
Animal Welfare code of practice
Anyone involved in breeding cats and dogs for fee or reward must understand and follow the obligations in the Animal Welfare Code of Practice - Breeding dogs and cats.
From 1 December 2029 mandatory compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice will apply to all dog breeders regardless of whether the breeding was intentional or otherwise, or for fee or reward.
Penalties
| Penalty description | Penalty amount |
|---|---|
| Operating as a breeder in NSW without a breeder identification number (BIN) obtained through the NSW Pet Registry. | Up to $11,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment for individuals. |
Advertising a pet for sale or transfer without the necessary identification information:
| Up to $16,500 and up to 6 months imprisonment for individuals, with penalties of up to $82,500 for corporations. |
| Keeping more than 20 adult female dogs on a premise without a valid exemption. | Up to $110,000 and up to 2 years imprisonment for individuals, with penalties of up to $550,000 for corporations. |
Exceeding the breeding limit in the lifetime of an adult female dog:
| Up to $110,000 and up to 2 years imprisonment for individuals, with penalties of up to $550,000 for corporations. |
| Operating with less than one staff member for every 20 dogs over 12 weeks of age; or for every litter of dogs under 12 weeks of age. | Up to $44,000 for individuals, with penalties of up to $220,000 for corporations. |