By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) approved an application for a dog breeding facility in Leyburn at the recent Ordinary Council Meeting.
SDRC previously received a complaint in relation to the number of dogs being kept on the applicant’s land. The application to house up to 50 dogs on site was later lodged.
The breeds at the facility include Maltese and crosses, Mini Poodle and crosses, and Welsh Corgis.
The list of dogs submitted by the applicant indicated that there are a total of 23 breeding dogs, i.e. three females and two males registered with Dogs Queensland and another 18 females not registered with Dogs Queensland. It is the intention of the applicant to increase the number of breeding dogs to 45 females and 5 males.
In addition to the breeding dogs detailed above, there are also six Maremma Sheepdogs which the applicant also breeds, i.e. five females and one male.
Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, as long as the Maremma Sheepdogs are being bred for other primary producers to be kept on rural land for use as working dogs, the applicant does not have to be registered as a breeder or require a supply number, for this particular breed of dog.
Locals have spoken out against the application, citing concerns such as too many breeding kennels, the welfare of the animals, and the burden on SDRC.
One submission stated that in October 2021, the SDRC Local Laws Department identified and reported that “there is an influx of breeding kennels in the last six months” which would require more stringent oversight and management of animal welfare. They criticised SDRC for then approving another two breeding kennels that month.
“The community expects the council to stop this influx,” they said.
“That is because breeding kennels such as these are seen as intrinsically cruel, not needed, a source of constant noise nuisance, a source of incremental ground contamination, and adding to society’s costly problem of mistreated and abandoned dogs.”
Other concerns in the submissions included that the new standards and guidelines which came into effect in Queensland on 1 October 2018 are seen by some as not harsh enough.
A submission cited that animals can be bred too young, killed if they are “no longer required”, and have no time requirements for exercise, socialisation, or enrichment other than “once a day”.
Another concern was the number of puppies that may result from 50 breeding dogs on the property, with concerns they may not get the proper care required due to the overwhelming number.
Another submission criticised comments that dog breeding is considered a normal farming practice.
“These dogs are just puppy factories, indiscriminately producing many litters a year, to cash in on the loneliness and isolation of people, with no thought to the mental and physical health of the individual dog in a happy environment,” the submission stated.
“Surely the Council has an obligation, to the current rate-paying residents, who neighbour these facilities, to also have a voice as they will be permanently affected by these facilities once established, including constant noise nuisance and ground contamination.”
Another concern was the ability of SDRC staff to properly oversee these facilities.
In the meeting, councillors discussed the application against planning standards.
Cr Ross Bartley stated that he was confident staff had done their job.
Cr Andrew Gale stated the applicants are legitimate dog breeders, and he was confident any concerns had been addressed.
Mayor Vic Pennisi stated he knew it was a controversial issue, but compared the density of dogs onsite to the density of dogs in suburbia.
Cr Jo McNally responded that in suburbia, those dogs were being cared for by far more people.
She later highlighted in general business that a different category may be needed in the rates for dog breeding as it was a growing business.
Cr Bartley questioned if this would extend to people breeding other animals, such as cattle.
Cr McNally responded that those fell under agriculture, and this was a different matter.
Mayor Pennisi said he needed time to consider the matter.
The motion was moved by Cr Gale and seconded by Cr Stephen Tancred.
