PUPPY FARMING
515. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to
prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
(1) How many
puppy farming operations were prosecuted in the period January 2010 to January
2021?
(2) How does the
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development become aware of puppy
farming operations?
(3) How does the
department investigate puppy farming allegations?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
(1) Three
prosecutions have been undertaken, with one matter currently before the courts.
(2) The RSPCA Western
Australia operates a 24-hour service for the receipt of complaints, assessment
and response for public reports of cruelty or mistreatment of animals. These
reports are the main source of information on companion animal welfare matters.
(3) The
investigation and prosecution of offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 can
be undertaken by general inspectors employed by the Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development, local government authorities, the RSPCA WA
and the WA Police. The three prosecutions referred to above have been
undertaken by the RSPCA WA.