Hon Rod Caddies asks about the legality of separating puppies from their mothers before eight weeks of age under the Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Act 2021. The Minister's response indicates it is not explicitly illegal, but rather a recommended practice.

AnsweredQoN 1019Legislative Council
Asked
12 November 2025
Portfolio
Local Government

QuestionView source ↗

Dogs—Puppy–mother separation
1019. Hon Rod Caddies to
the minister representing the Minister for Local
Government:
I refer to the Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Act 2021 .
(1) Can the minister confirm it is illegal in
Western Australia to remove a puppy from its mother before it reaches eight
weeks of age?
(2) If yes to (1), what is the rationale for
requiring a puppy to remain with its biological mother for the first eight
weeks of its life?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has
been provided by the Minister for Local Government.
The Department of
Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety advises:
(1) No. The Royal
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Western Australia and other
stakeholders often provide recommended practice in terms of the appropriate
age for a puppy to reach before removal from its mother.
(2) Not applicable.

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