AS FARMERS and working dog breeders took stock, Victoria's new Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses – specifically aimed at companion animals – took effect on April 11.
The previous day, the Victorian Working Sheep Dog Association (VWSDA) met with government officials to further process its application for Applicable Organisation (AO) status.
In the past 12 months the VWSDA has met regularly with staff of the Bureau of Animal Welfare (within the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, or DEPI), aiming to meet the government's guidelines on behalf of members.
"We are very hopeful," VWSDA council secretary Diann Schrapel told Stock & Land.
"Deb Morrison has been very helpful, advising us on a review of our membership forms, policies, processes and procedures.
"Last Thursday we met with Deb again and reviewed the existing and draft replacement documents.
"We also went through the register and constititution."
Deb Morrison is the local government liaison officer for the Bureau of Animal Welfare within DEPI.
But Mrs Schrapel warns the new status, if conferred, will not be an open door for those wanting to avoid complying with the code.
"This (VWSDA's application) is for the working sheepdog," Mrs Schrapel said.
"It is for working dogs registered to breed for or work in sheepdog trials.
"And our members will still be expected to comply with the code and our policies and procedures, which reflect the code."
AO status enables members to own up to nine fertile bitches without being registered as a breeding and/or rearing business.
The new code requires people with three or more fertile dogs or cats to be registered as a domestic animal business.
Rod Cavanagh, Yea, is well known for his expertise in developing the sheepdog industry in Australia.
A published author on selecting and training working dogs, he has been a sheepdog trial judge for many years.
Mr Cavanagh said the code was unsatisfactory and the government had missed an opportunity to work with farmers and working dog breeders.
- Full story in the Stock & Land April 24 edition
