However, the regulations that bind the companion animal industry could soon apply to kelpies and collies in the bush. It’s a move that would stifle progress in some of the finest bloodlines. 

Paul Funnell farms at “Mundowey Island”, Collingullie and uses working dogs on his property. He doesn’t breed them but said proposed changes would certainly affect him.

He said breeding kelpies had been successfully mastered in Australia for more than 200 years and this industry did not need additional bureaucracy to hamper progress. 

“I am fed up with bureaucratic red tape and this is another example of it,” he said. 

NSW Farmers Animal Welfare Committee chairman James Jackson said the draft (legislation) Prevention to Cruelty to Animals (breeding dogs) was aimed at targeting puppy farms.

However, he explained that the detailed requirements would force working dog breeders to either stop operating or continue in fear of being found non-compliant. 

NSW Farmers is now calling on NSW Department of Primary Industries to exempt working dogs from the requirements, and recognise the difference between working and companion dogs. 

Meanwhile, NSW DPI has committed to a further round of consultation on standards and guidelines for companion animal breeders and operators of pet shops. NSW DPI deputy director general of biosecurity and food safety, Bruce Christie said the stakeholder response to the draft standards and guidelines reflects a broad range of views in relation to animal welfare.

“We know people feel passionately about achieving great animal welfare standards in this state and we are keen to ensure that our codes, regulations, legislation, standards and guidelines reflect the latest science and community standards,” Dr Christie said.