All too often people get pets without fully understanding the animal's needs and the commitment it requires. This is what leads to animals being abandoned or surrendered to shelters.

Animal shelter populations continue to grow and with the increasing popularity in pedigree animals and designer dogs, their chances of being adopted are small.

We have already made one step further in animal welfare thanks to Lucy's Law and now it is time to take the next.

My solution is to make it a legal requirement to hold a license for each type of pet someone wants to purchase or adopt. This will be a process that potential pet owners will have to pay for so that it does not come at a cost to tax payers.

They will need to provide evidence that their home is suitable for the type of pet they want to adopt, as well as proving that they themselves are a suitable pet owner that is able to provide the pet with everything it needs, including, but not limited to: food, water, potential vet bills, any behaviour training that the animal may need and a secure, clean and safe home life.

The potential owner will also be required to take any necessary tests or training to ensure that they are fully prepared to adopt or purchase an animal and have all the necessary knowledge about caring for that particular type of pet.

Maltreatment or mistreatment of an animal will lead the owner to lose their license(s) to own pets. Breeders or shelters that allow someone to purchase or adopt an animal without a valid license will cause them to have to pay a large fine.

Anyone who already owns pets will only need to apply for a license(s) if reported to have mistreated or unable to provide adequate care for an animal.

I request that this new law is considered in Parliament so that we may continue to do right by animals.