‘Farmer Dave’ Graham of ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Australian Working Dog Rescue’ fame wants fellow farmers to speak up… or risk being fined… should proposed new breeder laws come into effect.

Speaking on ‘PetTalkradio.com’ – Australia’s only online pet & animal related program, the outspoken working-dog proponent has lashed out at bureaucrats who’ve come up with a suggested mandatory retirement age for siring for working dogs of 6 years.

“When you’ve got a good working dog line, you often don’t even start to breed from them until they’re 6 or 7 and they’re certainly good to go up to the age of 9 or 10.” Farmer Dave told listeners.

The weekly internet program regularly tackles controversial topics and this one has both urban and rural dog breeders up in arms in both NSW and Victoria over proposals to add yet another layer of bureaucracy and restrictions on the very people who know and understand dogs best – registered breeders and farmers.

For example, proposed changes to the Victorian Code relating to animals would require working dogs be given quote: “a minimum 20 minutes exercise per day when they’re not working livestock or alternatively given environmental enrichment”.

“Farmers are not going to go out and buy Kongs for their working dogs,” Farmer Dave told listeners “and for the record, this is ridiculous because a farmer will work the bejesus out of a dog for a few days and then let him have a good sleep on their day off… they’re not bored and needing toys like pet dogs!” he said.

The controversial changes to breeder regulations in both states are completely opposed by registered breeders who say they’ll do nothing to stop the illegal and sub-standard puppies and kittens being churned out by back-yard breeders.   But what they will do is put registered breeders, who are already doing the right thing out of business under the weight of $500 fees per annum and mountains of paperwork.

Today’s Pet Talk radio program also features interviews with the organiser of the Sydney Royal’s ‘Show’ events and the CEO of industry body Dr Joanne Sillince, who agree with Farmer Dave that the proposed changes – will stop responsible registered breeders having litters and encourage more greedy illegal breeders to sell potentially genetically unhealthy puppies and kittens.

To hear the full interviews – just go to www.PetTalkradio.com.au.

Or contact:

Kaye Browne Pet Talk radio co-host (and journalist) 02 8205 7730 / 0416 083 616

Interviews with Farmer Dave, Dr Jo Sillince can be arranged, Deb Harbin is now OS on holiday.