Families interested in buying dogs or cats can get more information about their future pets under new regulations aimed at "opposing puppy farms."
The new law, which will be introduced this week into the new state parliament, requires sellers to provide information, including ID numbers, so that potential buyers can find it in pet registration information. The pet information registration system is expected to be launched later this year.
The pet information registration system, supervised by the local government office, will include microchip numbers, varieties, ages, registration numbers and whether or not to sterilize.
Gabriel Upton (Gabrielle Upton), director of the local government, said the 2018 Pets and other legislation Amendment was part of an action plan for animal welfare, the first step in rectifying the local pet trade.
"at present, we have a number of bills that govern all aspects of animal welfare, and most of the relevant legislation has been around for more than 30 years," she said.
"as part of the proposed legislation, a new pet registration system will be introduced later this year to allow pet owners access to important information about the animals they plan to buy.
"the Pet Information Registration system will allow people to look for information about pets, including microchip numbers, varieties, ages, registration numbers and whether or not they are sterilized."
People who sell or deliver pets will be asked to display the pet's identity number-microchip number, breeder ID number or adoption number-in all advertisements, she said.
She said the new pet registration rules have a dual role as animal welfare enforcement agencies and help combat illegal breeders.
Advertisers who do not display or falsify pet identity numbers will be punished, while working dogs that do not need microchips will be exempted.
People who sell or deliver animals that cannot be implanted in microchips because of their younger age need to provide the breeder's identification number.
Breeder identification numbers will continue to be provided free of charge through the registration system.
Nigel is a four-year-old toy poodle purchased from registered breeders specializing in the breed.
Nigel is "very smart" and "very close", and the introduction of the new rules allows Nigel's owners to search the system for their microchip numbers to learn about its variety, gender, age, sterilization, and whether it has been registered.
Advertisers who do not display pet ID numbers or deliberately display false numbers will face a maximum fine of up to 50 units, equivalent to 5500 yuan.
The Animal Welfare Action Plan can be found on the New South Wales Department of Primary Industry website.