Restrictions on Puppy Farms Introduced With Fines Over $500,000

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Under a bill introduced into the New South Wales (NSW) parliament, puppy and dog breeders would be required to obtain a Breeder Identification Number.

The proposed law will also cap the number of female fertile dogs, with fines and potential prison sentences to apply for those who breach the rules.

“An occupier of dog premises must not keep more than 20 female adult dogs on the premises,” states the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Puppy Farming) Bill 2024 (pdf) introduced to parliament on Oct. 24.

The penalty for breaching this law is up to $550,000 (US$365,000) for a corporation, or $110,000 or two years in prison for an individual with limited exemptions.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the NSW government takes animal welfare seriously.

“The introduction of the bill demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernising animal welfare and delivering its election commitment to ban puppy farming,” she said in Parliament.

“The bill seeks to address community concerns by increasing transparency and oversight, strengthening breeding regulations and ultimately protecting the wellbeing of dogs across the State.”

Moriarty noted the NSW parliamentary inquiry into puppy farming had received more than 900 submissions and over 6,000 responses, with 86 percent indicating they want puppy farming banned.

“That reflects the growing public demand for robust ethical breeding practices,” the minister added.

“The bill has been developed through extensive consultation with the community, industry, and other peak bodies, as well as several parliamentary inquiries, to ensure that we reinforce the regulatory framework with practical, clear, and simple provisions.”

The minister explained that anyone who breeds dogs—whether a regular breeder, occasional breeder, or someone with accidental litters—will be required to gain a breeder identification number under the bill.

“Mandating the use of these identification numbers creates a near-universal traceability scheme within New South Wales that will enable the ability to trace individual dogs back to their original breeders regardless of their current ownership,” the minister said.

Organisations with custody of seized or surrendered dogs can obtain a rehoming organisation number if a dog becomes pregnant accidentally.

Already, more than 19,000 companion dog breeders have voluntarily registered for a breeder identification number, while 100 groups have signed up for a rehoming organisation number.

Dogs born after Dec. 1, 2025, will need a microchip and the breeder’s identification number.

“The bill will mandate greater identification for the sale or transfer of dogs, including when they are transferred or given away,” the minister added.

Animal Welfare League Expresses Support

Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Stephen Albin supported the bill, noting that it would curb breeders who are “doing the wrong thing.”

“It also sets a new regulatory framework that will deliver higher standards in the breeding industry and give established breeders time to meet those standards,” he said.

Albin noted a “huge spike in breeding” since COVID-19, leading to more dogs in the shelter and blowing out waiting lists. This makes it hard to find new homes for dogs and puppies.

“Sadly, too many dogs are not finding a new home. This Bill will help ease the pressure on our shelters and allow us to rehome dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned,” he said.

Local government Minister Ron Hoenig said the bill would give the government more oversight to ensure all breeders were “complying” with animal welfare standards.

“All industry and animal welfare stakeholders agree that there is a need to clean out the bad actors and for better animal and customer protection against those few unethical breeders. That is what this Bill delivers,” he said.

“People expect that any dog purchased from a breeder has been treated well and has not been exploited by dishonest puppy farmers to turn a profit.”

What About Education and Responsible Breeding?

Animal Care Australia (ACA) has previously expressed reservations about puppy farm legislation in New South Wales.

In a social media post on Aug. 26, the group said, “Support education and responsible breeding—not restrictions. No dog or cat should suffer cruelty or neglect.”

“Puppy Farm Legislation does not end puppy farms—it increases them.

“Responsible breeders disappear under restrictions and under-ground unethical breeders are incentivised to breed more to match the demand. Families deserve responsibly bred dogs and cats.”