Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard today tabled a petition in Parliament which protested against 'puppy factories'.  The petition was organised by a Year 4 student, Olivia Di Iorio.

"Olivia has done an outstanding job in coordinating the collection of 705 signatures for the petition in just two short weeks," said Dr Woollard.

"After the petition was tabled, Olivia met Premier Colin Barnett and the Minister for Local Government, Hon John Castrilli MLA, who congratulated her on organising the petition.

"The petition highlighted the poor conditions dogs are subjected to in commercial breeding operations.  It called on the Legislative Assembly to introduce:

• Legislation to regulate the breeding, sale and supply of puppies;
• Compulsory licensing of dog breeders and regular monitoring of the breeding operations; and
• Legislation to prevent pet shops from selling puppies, effectively reducing the demand for puppies and puppy factories."

Dr Woollard said Olivia had initiated the petition as part of her public speaking assignment at school.

"She was greatly encouraged by her mother who had asked me if I could explain the petition process to Olivia and if I would agree to table the petition," said Dr Woollard.

"I went to see Olivia deliver her speech in class about this issue and saw pictures of the terrible conditions puppies are kept in while they are bred for sale."

Dr Woollard said 'puppy factories' are established overseas and in the Eastern States.

"While WA does not have this problem, it is good that Olivia is alerting the public about this issue so it could be prevented from happening," said Dr Woollard.

"This is why Olivia should be congratulated for her initiative.

"The petition is also quite timely because the WA Government is planning to review the Dog Act next year.

"I will be looking for provisions that would protect puppies from inhuman treatment which some are subjected to in 'puppy factories;."

Note to journalist:

'Puppy factories' are mass-production facility that breeds puppies for profit.  The puppies and dogs are kept in crowded and unsanitary conditions.  Breeding may occur continuously and mothers and puppies are rarely vaccinated.  See http://www.closepuppyfactories.org/index.php for more information about the abuse.