Locals are advised that changes to state legislation means people advertising kittens, cats, puppies or dogs for sale need to include an identification number in advertisements.
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From July 1, these animals will need to include identification of either a microchip number, a breeder identification number, or a re-homing organisation number.
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The requirement will apply to all advertisements, including those in newspapers, local posters, community notice boards and all forms of online advertising, such as websites like Gumtree, and social media sites.
This advertising requirement will apply to all 'regulated' cats and dogs, which are defined as any of the following:
- a cat or dog that is or will be required by the Companion Animals Act 1998 to be identified (microchipped), including a cat or dog that has not been born or has not yet reached the age at which identification is required;
- a greyhound (whether or not it is registered in accordance with the greyhound racing rules) including a greyhound that has not been born;
- a cat or dog that is in the custody of a council; and
- a cat or dog that is the custody of the Animal Welfare League NSW, the Cat Protection Society of NSW, or the RSPCA.
It applies to everyone giving away or selling a cat or dog, including hunting dogs, but some exceptions apply.
Working dogs that are not required to be microchipped under the Companion Animals Act 1998 do not need to include an identifying number in advertisements. The requirement will also not apply to proposed or declared menacing, dangerous and restricted dogs as it is illegal to sell or advertise these dogs in NSW.
Sellers can be issued an on-the-spot fine by an enforcement officer of $330 if they do not include an identification number in an advertisement.
Failing to display an identification number or falsifying a number can also carry a maximum penalty of $5500 in court.
From July 1, if you suspect an advertisement does not include an identification number, or if it might display a false number, you should contact one of the previously enforcement agencies.
The advertising requirement will be enforced by the RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League NSW and NSW Police. The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission will also be able to enforce the requirement for greyhounds that are being advertised by registered greyhound racing participants.
These changes mean buyers will also be able to search the NSW Pet Registry to see what is recorded for the cat or dog's breed, sex, age, whether it is desexed and whether or not it is already registered.
A breeder identification number search will also display any recorded business name, which means people will be able to use a person's breeder identification number or a microchip number for an animal to search the registry and see any publicly available information. The registry will also let breeders know whether an annual permit is needed to keep the animal.
From July 1, if you suspect an advertisement does not include an identification number, or if it might display a false number, you should contact one of the previously enforcement agencies.
More information can be found online at the NSW Pet Registry website.
