Companion Animals Taskforce

The Companion Animals Taskforce was established by the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Primary Industries to provide advice on key companion animal issues, including strategies to reduce the rate of companion animal euthanasia.

Specifically, the Ministers have asked the Taskforce to inquire into:

Euthanasia rates and re-homing options for surrendered or abandoned companion animals
The breeding of companion animals including the practices of “puppy farms”
The sale of companion animals
The microchipping and desexing of companion animals
Current education programs on “responsible pet ownership”
Dangerous dogs
Any other high priority companion animal issues that become apparent to the Taskforce.

The Taskforce was chaired by the Member for Charlestown, Mr Andrew Cornwell MP, and consisted of representatives of the following organisations, invited by the Ministers to participate:

Animal Welfare League NSW,
Australian Companion Animal Council,
Australian Institute of Local Government Rangers,
Australian Veterinary Association,
Cat Protection Society of NSW,
Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW,
Dogs NSW,
Pet Industry Association Australia, and
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NSW.

Representatives of the Division of Local Government and Department of Primary Industries also participated on the Taskforce.

Report To Government

The Taskforce has now completed its work after consulting widely in 2012 on a range of priority issues. The Taskforce has submitted two reports providing recommendations for the consideration of the Ministers including:

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