As an individual deeply immersed in animal rescue, I have seen the exponential increase in unwanted litters of puppies and kittens since the DACO roll out of back yard breeder registrations. This heart-wrenching situation is a direct outcome of irresponsible pet ownership, fueled by the Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) Breeder Registration system in South Australia. The system encourages careless pet owners to pay a mere $75 to evade desexing their beloved pets, resulting in waves of unwanted litters. Instead of caring for these newborns, they are often offloaded when their sale value depreciates. The consequences of this system extend beyond the suffering of these innocent animals and burden animal rescues and shelters with the responsibility to find these abandoned animals a home.

South Australia faces alarming rates of abandoned pets. According to the RSPCA, in 2019, nearly 35% of the dogs and cats that arrived at their shelters were from owners who no longer wanted them, indicating the magnitude of this issue. It's clear to see that the current system is not working as DACO has basically illiminated the current laws requiring ALL dogs and cats to be desexed by 6months of age and has exacerbated the plight of our beloved pets.

It is time for a change and with your help we can create that change. Our pets deserve better. We urge the South Australian government to abolish the DACO Breeder Registration system for backyard breeders. This step is vital in promoting responsible pet ownership, preventing unwanted litters, and protecting the welfare of animals in our state. Sign this petition today to advocate for necessary change and create a future where our pets are not subjected to such avoidable harm.