Members are reminded that they are not required to microchip puppies under 12 weeks of age unless they operate a Domestic Animal Business. Under Section 12A of the Domestic Animals Act:
if you operate a Domestic Animal Business you are required to microchip puppies before they leave the premises.
if you do NOT operate a Domestic Animal Business (ie, have less than 10 fertile bitches) you must register all puppies with the Council and microchip them if they are 12 weeks of age or older, but if they are less than 12 weeks of age this becomes the responsibility of the purchaser.
De-Barking of Dogs
Members are reminded that they should carry all necessary documentation with them relating to legally de-barked dogs to answer any queries from authorised persons. For more information please read Prohibited procedures for dogs (.pdf) - published by the Department of Primary Industries January 2010.
Breeding of Animals with Heritable Diseases
The Heritable Defects Code of Practice is in effect as of 18 June 2009 - More Information (.doc)
Seminars for breeders were held in November 2009 to provide members with more information on the new Code of Practice for the Responsible Breeding of Animals with Heritable defects. The speakers were Dr. Steven Tate, Director of the Bureau of Animal Welfare, and Sylvia Power, Chair of the DOGS Victoria Canine Health Committee.
It should be noted that VCA regulations prohibit the cropping of ears and illegal docking of tails
Dogs with Natural Bob Tails
Dogs with natural bob tails do not fall under the provisions of Clause 82 of the new Act. Members of breeds in which natural bob tails occur are understandably anxious that they may be the subject of an RSPCA query about their dog.
The management committee has approved that the office will develop a small card that will state that the dog is registered with DOGS Victoria and meets all the requirements of Victorian State Government Legislation, or similar. This card will also be available to members with dogs whose tails were shortened before the legislation was enacted.
An application for this card can be downloaded from the Members Forms section of this website.
