Are you concerned that the current welfare of dogs is not improving? There are more dogs in pounds than there have ever been, in Australia. And, whilst many of these dogs are there due to various human hardships, the majority of dogs in pounds are from backyard breeders who deceive people, charge exorbitant amounts of money and treat their animals like sexual slaves. 

What if we could determine who is a responsible breeder, and who is not, by an independent certificate of ethics? A breeder would need to prove their ethics, welfare and legal responsibilities via an application form, which would deem them as either being responsible or not. Think of it a little like the Heart Foundation Tick of Approval

Without that certificate, dog owners will be informed that despite the pretty website, promises of DNA tests and cute puppy pictures, the breeder does not adhere to the expectations and requirements to safely, and responsibly breed a dog - and is instead likely to be negligent and cruel. This will empower the good breeders to be able to prove that they are not only registered, but have the best interests of the breeding line in mind as well as the health, welfare and happiness of their breeding dogs and puppies. 

Potential purchasers would be able to ask for evidence of the certificate, and if they breeder cannot provide it, then the purchaser will be able to make a much more informed ethical decision, which helps to alleviate the problem of backyard and bad breeders, rather than inadvertently perpetuate it. 

Add your views in the comments on what the difference is between an ethical breeder and an unethical breeder. Some criteria may include: 

1. The puppy is for sale online

Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace AVOID! The only website to visit is the State club pages. For example - the Staffordshire Bullterrier Club of Victoria. Every ethical breeder I have met already has homes planned for the puppies before they are conceived.

2. The puppy is very expensive

Ask the breeder to itemise exactly where the cost goes to. 

3. The breeder won't let you visit the property

This is a major red flag. If you are unable to visit the puppies and meet the parents (at least the mother) then steer clear of these places. The excuses may be that they are too far away, they won't be home when you're available, they don't want disease to be spread etc.

4. They're happy to ship the puppy interstate

There are exceptions to this rule for some specific rare breeds and particular working breed lines. But the majority of companion dogs have registered breeders in your state. Putting an 8 week old puppy on a plane/train/truck can have a dire impact on the puppy's overall health and wellbeing

​5. The breeder isn't interviewing you

You should feel like you have to prove yourself to a good breeder. They will want to know all about you to make the decision that is in the best interest of their dogs.

6. They're happy to drop the puppy off

Your local Maccas or Service Station is not a place you should ever think is an acceptable place to exchange a puppy into new hands.

​7. They want payment prior

This is a no brainer.

​Whilst we need to regulate the sale of puppies more, there will always be loop holes that bad breeders will find and exploit. So for me, I believe sharing the truth and educating dog owners is our best hope.