Contract awarded for PetsWA to help stop puppy farming

• 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."

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