SPCA advocates for independent regulation and inspection of all breeding establishments and that, where possible for that species, all animals should be microchipped prior to sale or rehoming and microchips registered. Where possible for that species, all animals should be desexed prior to sale or rehoming, unless sold, rehomed to a registered breeder or based on veterinary advice.

Legislation to address welfare issues associated with breeding of cats, dogs and rabbits could include directly enforceable breeder regulations, mandatory licensing of breeders, a Code of Welfare for companion animal breeders or a combination of these approaches.

SPCA opposes the breeding of puppies, kittens and other animals in both private and commercial undertakings without regard to the availability of good homes.

Prospective owners should not purchase animals from breeders whose primary motivation for breeding is to produce large numbers of animals for profit. These operations are sometimes referred to as ‘puppy/kitten farms’.

SPCA is concerned about the use of prolonged confinement in these operations and the lack of opportunities for animals to display normal patterns of behaviour leading to negative affective states including fear, boredom and anxiety.

SPCA is concerned about lack of veterinary care for animals, increased inherited disorders in the offspring that can affect animal health and cause pain and suffering, and close inbreeding, in these operations.

SPCA advocates that prospective animal owners acquire their companion animal from SPCA Centres or other reputable animal rescue organisations, where possible.

By acquiring their companion animals from reputable animal rescue organisations, people can help an individual animal, alleviate the problems caused by oversupply, and assist in reducing the problem of unwanted companion animals.

SPCA opposes excessive breeding from individual females and is concerned about the removal of offspring from their mothers before natural weaning would take place.

The age, health status, temperament and breeding history of female animals should be considered before making breeding decisions. SPCA is concerned about an increase in health issues in breeding animals due to excessive or inappropriate breeding (e.g. number of litters per year, number of litters per lifetime, minimum and maximum breeding ages). SPCA is concerned about the selling of sick, underage animals, or poorly socialised animals. Poorly socialised animals may become dangerous or aggressive, or display other severe behavioural problems.

SPCA is concerned about the welfare of stud animals.

Breeding studs kept alone or in caged housing are at risk of poor welfare when their physical and social needs are not met, or they are not provided opportunities to exercise or engage in behaviour that supports their physical, mental and emotional needs.

SPCA supports responsible breeding practices which prioritise animal welfare and advocates for desexing of non-breeding animals.

SPCA is concerned that indiscriminate breeding without consideration of future homes contributes to an increase in unwanted animals abandoned or relinquished to shelters.

SPCA advocates for people to desex their companion animals before they reach puberty (unless they are responsible licenced breeders or based on veterinary advice).