The discussion paper was aimed at stimulating discussion and feedback on the key issues regarding unwanted cats and dogs.

In July 2007, the Queensland Government released a discussion paper entitled 'Managing unwanted cats and dogs.' Over 5,300 people and organisations responded. There was overwhelming support from Queenslanders to improve the system of pet ownership in Queensland and identify ways to effectively reduce euthanasia rates of unwanted dogs and cats.

In response to this, the Honourable Anna Bligh, MP, Premier, announced a funding package of up to $500,000 to support the implementation of a series of measures to reduce the numbers of unwanted dogs and cats in Queensland.

The measures include:

• undertaking a joint community education campaign in consultation with the RSPCA, the Animal Welfare League and the Queensland Companion Animal Management Group to make people aware of their responsibilities with regard to pet ownership and the desexing of pets
• developing a voluntary code of practice for pet shops, which will set standards for the care and management of animals
• supporting three councils to conduct two-year pilot studies to reduce the numbers of unwanted dogs and cats.

In addition to these immediate measures, by the end of the year legislation will be introduced by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to make compulsory the microchipping of dogs and cats at point of sale, the tattooing of desexed dogs and cats, and the registration of dogs and cats.

Interested parties are encouraged to review the draft Code and provide feedback.

Comments invited on code of practice for pet shops

The Queensland Government is seeking comments on the proposed voluntary Queensland Code of Practice for Pet Shops (the Code).

The objective of the Code is to set standards for the care and management of animals kept for sale in pet shops.

To reduce the risk of pets either becoming unwanted or breeding unwanted litters the Code encourages pet retailers to ensure that buyers take home a pet that is healthy and suitable to their current and anticipated lifestyle, and that they are fully informed of the needs of their pet, their community responsibilities and their regulatory obligations. These include that they control unwanted breeding, manage pet behaviour appropriately and identify and register their pets.

Representatives from the pet shop industry, animal welfare groups, government and dog and cat interest groups have had a say in the development of the Code.

The Queensland government wishes to ensure that the Code meets the needs of the Queensland community and wants to hear the views of people with an interest in this area, including pet shop owners and other pet retailers, welfare groups and pet owners. We encourage you to review the draft Code and provide feedback by the closing date of 25 July 2008.