Introduction: Dogs are part of the urban landscape and come in many shapes and sizes. In Australia, some attract a price tag of up to $8000, whilst others sit in shelters unable to attract an owner. Irrespective of price paid, most owners view their dog as a companion or family member (Bogdanoski 2010).
Less than 20% of dogs are bred by hobbyists that are subject to State and national industry codes. (ANKC 2017) The rest are bred by; occasional, backyard and large commercial breeders. Many of these do not make adequate provision for the welfare and health of their breeding dogs and puppies produced despite the existence of National consumer law, State based welfare legislation and, in two States, codes that attempt to regulate breeding. (Cooke, 2011)
Aim: Given the status that most owners place on their dogs and the reality that the law views dogs as property, this research sought to understand the role and effectiveness of the current dog breeding regulatory framework in protecting dogs and dog buyers.
Methods: Interviews were conducted with representatives of stakeholder groups and surveys of dog owners and dog breeders undertaken. The data was coded and analysed using key words to develop themes and identify the views of stakeholders on the roles and effectiveness of regulation.
Main Results: This research found that stakeholders believe the main roles of regulation are to make breeders accountable and to reduce dog overpopulation. This research found that; neither of these roles is being achieved and identified the lack of effective enforcement and monitoring by State governments,RSPCA and pure breed industry governing body as a major cause of this failure.
This research identified the need for the various regulatory bodies to take a networked approach and for the pure dog breed industry regulatory body to take an expanded role in improving the accountability of breeders.
Principal Conclusions and Implications: There is a need to reconsider regulation and to take effective steps to improve breeder accountability through the implementation of regulatory and non-regulatory mechanisms. Two such mechanisms are the introduction of consistent breeder licensing and approved breeders schemes.