[Greens-Media] New Era for Animal Welfare Beckons: Greens

[Franks, Office]

Greens' Animal Welfare spokesperson Tammy Franks has congratulated the Select Committee on Dog and Cats as Companion Animals on the release of their final report and called for quick action to implement reforms that would bring SA up to scratch with other states.
 "The Select Committee on Companion Animals (Dogs and Cats) Report's recommendations released yesterday are welcome and if adopted, likely to lead to a new era in animal welfare in South Australia," Ms Franks said.
"The eleven recommendations, if implemented in their entirety, will undoubtedly improve the welfare standards for our companion animals and bring SA into line with the rest of Australia when it comes to dog and cat legislation.
"The committee's recommendations, while clearly strongly supported by animal welfare advocates, are yet to face the test of Parliament. Although we are hopeful of cross party support for the reforms, this mustn't be assumed.
"The challenge now will be for recommended reforms to be implemented quickly and not just sit on a shelf gathering dust.
"The Greens have been long time advocates for reforms such as the Oscar's Law campaign that would see puppy factories abolished and the playing field leveled so all breeders have to comply with mandatory standards, such as compulsory vaccination, micro-chipping (and in the case of cats) to be desexed as well.
"Introducing breeder registration, mandatory micro-chipping and compulsory breeding standards will go a long way towards ensuring our companion animals are looked after from go to whoa.
"Such reforms, when accompanied by public awareness programs for responsible pet ownership, will undoubtedly reduce the numbers of animals currently surrendered and sadly often euthanased,"  she concluded.
To arrange further comment contact Lauren Zwaans on 0457 549 938

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