Companion animals act feedback wanted
Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape the State's cat and dog laws.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch is encouraging feedback on a discussion paper issued by the Department of Local Government.
"Pets provide unconditional love and companionship to so many people, and we need to have strong laws that hold pet owners to account and ensure that owners are taking responsibility for their pets in both private and public settings," she said.
"I have witnessed for myself the increased pressure experienced by council pounds and rehoming organisations when adopting my beloved dogs, and with pet ownership on the rise now is the time for a review of laws around pet ownership.
"I strongly encourage the public to provide feedback on their experiences with pet ownership, veterinary care, the role of council, and any other issues that they believe should be considered as part of this wide-ranging review." For the first time in two decades, the laws will be reviewed to greater support responsible pet ownership and ensure the well-being of pets and the safety of communities.
The review will examine all aspects of the care and management of companion animals in NSW, including addressing the urgent need to prevent dogs and cats from entering the pound and rehoming system, Ms Tesch said.
"It will also explore actions taken in other jurisdictions and the role and enforcement responsibilities of councils." Key issues under consideration include: cat management, preventing dog attacks, pounds and rehoming services, registration and desexing, stakeholder roles and responsibilities and the regulatory tools available under the legislation, and responsible pet ownership education and training.
The review of the Act will be informed by several NSW parliamentary inquiries, including the inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage, the inquiry into pounds and the inquiry into the management of cat populations, said Ms Tesch.
The findings and recommendations from recent coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks in NSW will also be considered.
The Office of Local Government's discussion paper canvasses three key areas: the framework for encouraging responsible ownership of companion animals, the compliance and enforcement role of councils, and animal welfare and rehoming.
Feedback on the discussion paper and questions should be submitted before May 4.
The discussion paper is available online via http://penne.ws/iJx67v.
SOURCE:
Media release, 8 Apr 2025
Joely Langmaid, Office of the Member for Gosford