Legislation and Government Codes of Practice

Legislation 

There are two main pieces of legislation that relate to companion animal ownership in Victoria:

The Domestic Animals Act 1994

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986

Both of these Acts have associated Regulations and Codes of Practice. 

Together all of these pieces of law dictate how companion animals are managed, and outline community expectations in relation to care and housing.

Over time, there have been many amendments to the legislation to address identified short comings, and to address emerging issues. 

Note: You can always access the current version of the Acts and Regulations (Statutory Rules) by visiting legislation.vic.gov.au

 

Codes of Practice

There are a number of Codes of Practice that have been developed under both the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 that may apply to you as a dog owner.

Some are 'mandatory' codes, others are 'advisory'. Some apply to all dog owners; others apply only to those who undertake certain activities or meet specific criteria.

You can read more about Codes of Practice in our Fact Sheet on the topic.

 

These Codes apply to ALL Dog Owners:

Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Dogs

‘This Code of Practice is intended to provide the minimum standards of accommodation, management and care appropriate to the physical and behavioural requirements of dogs.’

Code of Practice for the Debarking of Dogs

‘This Code aims to protect the welfare of dogs from indiscriminate debarking and to encourage considerate management of debarked dogs.’

Code of Practice for the Tethering of Animals

‘This Code has been developed to assist people to tether animals correctly when circumstances make it a necessary method of confining and protecting animals. The Code specifies the requirements for tethering dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, donkeys and horses.’

Code of Practice for the Training of Dogs and Cats to Wear Electronic Collars

‘The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 sets out the legal requirements for the use of electronic collars on animals.  This Code specifies the minimum standards required when training a dog or cat to the use of an electronic collar.’

 

These Codes may apply if you are a BREEDER:

Code of Practice for the Breeding of Animals with Heritable Defects that Cause Disease

‘This Code aims to educate animal breeders how to best minimise or avoid the development of heritable disease in progeny caused by inappropriate selection and mating of animals with heritable (genetic) defects. It also outlines breeding practices that will assist the reduction of the prevalence of the heritable defect in the animal population.’

Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses (Revision 1)

‘This Code outlines minimum welfare standards for the housing and management of dogs and cats in breeding and rearing businesses.’

Although Dogs Victoria Breeders with less than '10 relevant females' are deemed Recreational Breeders are exempt from the requirements of this code, breeder members with more than this number are required to register as Commercial Breeders. 

You can watch this Victorian Government Video which explains recent changes introduced to stamp out Puppy Farms.

 

Codes of Practice that Apply to Certain Breeds or Activities:

Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria

Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds

Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting (Revision 1)

Code of Practice for the Welfare of Film Animals

 

Codes of Practice that Apply to Dog-Related Businesses:

 

Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments

Code of Practice for the Operation of Pet Shops

Code of Practice for the Operation of Dog Training Establishments

Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds

 

You can view all of the Codes of Practice relating to animals by visiting the Animal Welfare Victoria Website