The NSW Government is committed to improving the welfare of breeding animals in NSW and to providing breeders of companion animals, and consumers, with the information they need to make informed decisions related to the breeding, sale and purchase of companion animals. 

Puppy factories, unethical breeding practices and scams involving the purchase of companion animals have all recently resulted in negative reports in the media.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that in 2021, pet scams increased by 48% from the previous year, indicating a trend of unscrupulous sellers targeting puppy and kitten purchasers. 

To improve breeder knowledge of regulatory requirements and help consumers make more informed decisions, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has launched a campaign on social media. The campaign aims to improve the welfare of animals being bred by raising awareness of responsible breeding practices, legislative requirements, the requirements when transferring ownership of companion animals, and consumer knowledge.

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