- New PetsWA system
will streamline pet registrations for dogs and cats in WA
- The online system
will improve traceability of dogs to deter puppy farming
- Public awareness campaign
to be rolled out before the system launches in 2025
A significant milestone has been reached for the Cook Government's Stop
Puppy Farming reforms, with a $9.8 million contract awarded to Seisma Group to establish
an online centralised registration system for dogs and cats.
PetsWA will replace all dog and cat registers currently managed by every
local government, and will be used by pet owners, local governments, rangers
and rescue organisations
It will enable local governments to identify cases of puppy farming
through improved visibility of pet registrations and transfers, and breeders across
Western Australia.
Importantly, historical registration data will be migrated from 139
local governments during the development phase of PetsWA, to enable a seamless
registration experience for users.
Western Australians that move houses into a new local government area
will be able to update their address via PetsWA.
Selected via a competitive procurement process, Seisma has significant experience
working with government agencies to provide innovative, streamlined and
user-centric online systems.
Regulations are being drafted to enact the Stop Puppy Farming reforms,
which introduces mandatory registration of dog breeders, transitions pet shops
to adoption centres, and mandatory sterilisation of dogs, from two years,
unless exempt or already registered.
An awareness campaign is being planned to ensure the public and key
stakeholders are aware of the changes before the new system is fully
operational later in 2025.
For more information, visit: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/local-government/community/cats-and-dogs/stop-puppy-farming.
Comments attributed to Local Government
Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Awarding this contract for PetsWA is another positive step forward as
the Cook Government continues to implement our landmark Stop Puppy Farming reforms.
"PetsWA simplifies
the registration process for dog and cat owners, and ensure their origins can
be traced, making the cruel practice of puppy farming easier to identify and
stamp out.
"Work
to finalise regulations and guidelines to fully enact the Stop Puppy Farming
reforms is progressing well and expected to take effect before the PetsWA
system goes live.
"This
is another milestone in the work we're doing - you can do your bit too by
choosing to 'adopt, don't shop' from your local shelter."
