Puppy Farm Awareness Rally

[Kirty]

We had a great day and I was so thrilled to see so many people there. I recognised quite a few DOL dogs and my own dogs really enjoyed it. Tamara, your speech was fantastic!

[Snout Girl]

I had a teary after the song with the guitar

[Guardienne]

It was a fantastic day.

I'd say roughly 2000 people attended (hubby the numbers person) counted 800+ on the steps alone.

[pip1981]

What a fantastic turnout for a fantastic cause!! I was so excited when I first saw just how many people and their dogs were on Parliament steps when we arrived. Hopefully this is just what was needed to get the ball rolling, and help people SEE what is really going on...

It was a very emotional rally, and I can't imagine what those of you who work and volunteer in rescue go through emotionally, every single day. I really admire what you do, and thank you for helping those who can't help themselves!

bertandsally: It was a pleasure to meet you and your doggies, in the lift of all places...lol (how did you go finding your car afterwards? hehehe)

[oakway]

this was just announced

Yes we were correct, they lumped ALL BREEDERS in with the likes of puppy farmers.

You have just single handedly started the demise of registered breeders.

I hope you are all proud of yourselves.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

If you don't believe me just read what's below.

I have bold ed the words.

Sunday Sep 19 13:59 AEST

Hundreds rally against Vic puppy farms

8 mins ago

Hundreds of dog owners and their four-legged friends have attended a rally

in Melbourne protesting against puppy farms.

Hundreds rally against Vic puppy farms

Sept 19, 2010

Several hundred dog lovers and their four-legged friends gathered on the

steps of Victoria's Parliament on Sunday to try to shut down puppy farms.

Rally organiser Debra Tranter wants the government to introduce Oscar's Law

which calls on stricter regulations for dog breeders, heavier fines for

cruelty to dogs and regular RSPCA inspections of puppy farms.

"Codes of Practice for breeding establishments are absolutely pathetic," Ms

Tranter said. "They are not stringent enough, are not being enforced by local councils and

are sentencing thousands of dogs to a life of imprisonment, most in

absolutely deplorable conditions."

She said many people are unaware that they are supporting puppy farms when

they buy a dog at pet stores, online or in newspapers.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells joined the protesters and said a coalition

government would give the RSPCA the power to inspect breeding establishments

"The Brumby government has had 11 years to fix the problem and now this

industry is out of control," Mr Wells told reporters.

"If you are going to run a business you have to run it within the confines

of the laws and at the moment they are not tough enough."

He said a coalition government would increase fines from $1000 to up to $30

000 and shut down illegal puppy farms.

"These actions will make sure those rogue traders are put out of business."

Miles Heffernan from the Lort Smith Lost Dogs Home says up to 11,000 dogs

and 9000 cats are brought in to the animal shelter each year.

Around 28 per cent of the dogs are unable to be rehomed and are put down.

He said it was up to local councils to keep a check on breeders but many

only acted after complaints rather than regular inspections of facilities

and conditions.

[Guardienne]

this was just announced

Yes we were correct, they lumped ALL BREEDERS in with the likes of puppy farmers.

You have just single handedly started the demise of registered breeders.

I hope you are all proud of yourselves.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

If you don't believe me just read what's below.

I have bold ed the words.

Sunday Sep 19 13:59 AEST

Hundreds rally against Vic puppy farms

8 mins ago

Hundreds of dog owners and their four-legged friends have attended a rally

in Melbourne protesting against puppy farms.

Hundreds rally against Vic puppy farms

Sept 19, 2010

Several hundred dog lovers and their four-legged friends gathered on the

steps of Victoria's Parliament on Sunday to try to shut down puppy farms.

Rally organiser Debra Tranter wants the government to introduce Oscar's Law

which calls on stricter regulations for dog breeders, heavier fines for

cruelty to dogs and regular RSPCA inspections of puppy farms.

"Codes of Practice for breeding establishments are absolutely pathetic," Ms

Tranter said. "They are not stringent enough, are not being enforced by local councils and

are sentencing thousands of dogs to a life of imprisonment, most in

absolutely deplorable conditions."

She said many people are unaware that they are supporting puppy farms when

they buy a dog at pet stores, online or in newspapers.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells joined the protesters and said a coalition

government would give the RSPCA the power to inspect breeding establishments

"The Brumby government has had 11 years to fix the problem and now this

industry is out of control," Mr Wells told reporters.

"If you are going to run a business you have to run it within the confines

of the laws and at the moment they are not tough enough."

He said a coalition government would increase fines from $1000 to up to $30

000 and shut down illegal puppy farms.

"These actions will make sure those rogue traders are put out of business."

Miles Heffernan from the Lort Smith Lost Dogs Home says up to 11,000 dogs

and 9000 cats are brought in to the animal shelter each year.

Around 28 per cent of the dogs are unable to be rehomed and are put down.

He said it was up to local councils to keep a check on breeders but many

only acted after complaints rather than regular inspections of facilities

and conditions.

Very proud Oakway!

As many have said all along if you are an ethical breeder and you aren't doing anything wrong, it shouldn't affect you.

[oakway]

this was just announced

Yes we were correct, they lumped ALL BREEDERS in with the likes of puppy farmers.

You have just single handedly started the demise of registered breeders.

I hope you are all proud of yourselves.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

If you don't believe me just read what's below.

I have bold ed the words.

Sunday Sep 19 13:59 AEST

Hundreds rally against Vic puppy farms

8 mins ago

Hundreds of dog owners and their four-legged friends have attended a rally

in Melbourne protesting against puppy farms.

Hundreds rally against Vic puppy farms

Sept 19, 2010

Several hundred dog lovers and their four-legged friends gathered on the

steps of Victoria's Parliament on Sunday to try to shut down puppy farms.

Rally organiser Debra Tranter wants the government to introduce Oscar's Law

which calls on stricter regulations for dog breeders, heavier fines for

cruelty to dogs and regular RSPCA inspections of puppy farms.

"Codes of Practice for breeding establishments are absolutely pathetic," Ms

Tranter said. "They are not stringent enough, are not being enforced by local councils and

are sentencing thousands of dogs to a life of imprisonment, most in

absolutely deplorable conditions."

She said many people are unaware that they are supporting puppy farms when

they buy a dog at pet stores, online or in newspapers.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells joined the protesters and said a coalition

government would give the RSPCA the power to inspect breeding establishments

"The Brumby government has had 11 years to fix the problem and now this

industry is out of control," Mr Wells told reporters.

"If you are going to run a business you have to run it within the confines

of the laws and at the moment they are not tough enough."

He said a coalition government would increase fines from $1000 to up to $30

000 and shut down illegal puppy farms.

"These actions will make sure those rogue traders are put out of business."

Miles Heffernan from the Lort Smith Lost Dogs Home says up to 11,000 dogs

and 9000 cats are brought in to the animal shelter each year.

Around 28 per cent of the dogs are unable to be rehomed and are put down.

He said it was up to local councils to keep a check on breeders but many

only acted after complaints rather than regular inspections of facilities

and conditions.

Very proud Oakway!

As many have said all along if you are an ethical breeder and you aren't doing anything wrong, it shouldn't affect you.

I for one don't believe it. The animal libber have been looking for a way to get rid of us and NOW it's been handed to them on a platter.

[mita]

"These actions will make sure those rogue traders are put out of business."

If it's rogue traders they want to target, then it means that they're after 'breeders' who don't do what's considered the right and ethical thing by their dogs and the puppies they breed.

In other words, it's not those who have to subscribe to a code of ethical behaviour set out by a recognised body, like the Canine Associations. Where

membership depends on compliance.

And, certainly, research indicates that the registered breeders must be doing something right because they were found to be significantly less likely to raise puppies that will later be dumped and also far less likely to produce unwanted litters.

So, for goodness sake, organisations and groups representing the sound registered breeders of purebreds....get out there, into the mainstream and public eye at all levels. And lobby for your sound work to be recognised and not hindered by any actions taken to hunt out the 'rogue traders' who are outside your world.

In fact, if I'd have been an organiser at that rally, I would've hauled up on stage a few registered breeders of purebreds (they're modest!) who exemplify the codes of ethical behaviour in what they do. And said, 'Here's one major antidote to puppy-farming. Let them continue to do what they do. And let the public know!'

Edited September 19, 2010 by mita

[oakway]

We all know of the person who had a government piece of paper the said they would not stop the docking of tail's in Queensland........Yeah right......

Been there done that.

[mita]

We all know of the person who had a government piece of paper the said they would not stop the docking of tail's in Queensland........Yeah right......

Been there done that.

Can you explain what you're talking about? 'Government piece of paper?'

And what it's got to do with reponses to that rally?

[MavericksMission]

Was a brilliant, brilliant, turnout!

Awesome day.

[oakway]

We all know of the person who had a government piece of paper the said they would not stop the docking of tail's in Queensland........Yeah right......

Been there done that.

Self explanatory

I as a breeder do not believe the propaganda that is being spread around about this rally that registered breeders will be exempt.

Ray Underwood held a government letter stating Queensland would be exempt from tail docking. Look how far that got us...........

The person starting the rally has already lumped us in with puppy farmers. No distinction from ethical breeders from Puppy farmers

As I said the animal libbers have been looking for a way to get rid of us and now we have been handed to them on a plate.

The saddest part is that some our registered breeders believe what is being said.

[perfect partners]

I had a teary after the song with the guitar

Hi bertandsally. I think I spoke to you - I had the Newfie.

[Nekhbet]

nice picking there oakway ... where do they state they're picking on registerd breeders? It says breeding establishments (ie mass dog breeding operations) and puppy farms

I agree if you're doing nothing wrong and your dogs are healthy and well looked after what do you have to be afraid of ... nothing. Meanwhile for your own ideals your happy to sweep puppy farmers under the carpet.

[pip1981]

This is a completely innocent question for those breeders who are concerned about any change in legislation or tougher administration of the current legislation.

In all honesty, I am not well researched on the legislation, but I would like to know exactly which rules registered breeders would like to be 'exempt' from? In point form, black and white, brutally honest, what exactly scares you about it all? I mean specific points.

I might be dumb, and no I haven't read a lot about it, I just want to put a stop to puppy farming! I want all dogs, whether they are bred from or not, to have the life our dogs have, being part of a family/pack, in clean safe environments. I would have thought 'ethical' breeders would want the same? Can someone please clarify this for me?

And for the record, yes, I'm proud I attended today! I honestly felt everyone there had dog's welfare at heart, and that is all! Some speeches even mentioned registered breeders in a positive manner, and I didn't hear anything to the contrary.

[mita]

Some speeches even mentioned registered breeders in a positive manner, and I didn't hear anything to the contrary.

Thanks for posting this report! That's exactly what should've been mentioned, somewhere, at a rally against puppy-farming. Because sound registered breeders do the very opposite of puppy-farming. So any proposed remedies against puppy-farming shouldn't interfere with what these breeders already do well.

[Andisa]

The short big of air time that it got on 10 was pushing more about avoiding UNregistered breeders and pet shops - so hopefully it will be a positive step in the right direction.

[gila]

Great day! Cosmolo your speech was awesome!

I recognised a few DOLers (actually I recognised their dogs), but I was too shy to say hello

[AussieDog]

I think it's great that finally some noise is being made about puppy farms - i only wish i had the opportunity to voice my opinion publicly today.

A big thank you to all those that gave up their Sunday to trek into the city and stand up for the rights of our bestest friends!!

[SpotTheDog]

Just watched Channel 10 news report on the march today, and they were very careful to emphasise that it's unregistered, back yard breeders, with dogs kept in very poor conditions, so on, so forth. They also mentioned Dr Chris Brown's upcoming piece on puppy farming on the 7pm Project, due to air Tuesday night - should be interesting...