Fine weather and a great turnout contributed to a successful show. Double the numbers of participants attended  with more than 780 pure-bred dogs of all shapes and sizes involved.

This year’s dog show took place amid a period of public consultation about two reports from the Companion Animals Taskforce.

Some of the key recommendations in the reports currently on exhibition include options to introduce annual registration and fees for all cats and dogs; registration discounts for buying an animal from a pound or shelter; proposals to establish a breeder licensing system and stronger powers to manage and restrict dangerous dogs.

Kim Tresidder,  president of the all breeds Albion Park  Kennel Club  said while her club supported most of the recommendations in the paper, they wanted to draw the public’s attention to how they could have an impact on the pure-bred dog community and owners of dogs and cats in general.

Ms Tresidder said the club members were against the implementation of annual registrations by local government, which have not been used since the inception of ‘‘lifetime registrations’’ in the late 1990s, which saw microchipping introduced with a ‘‘once only fee’’.

‘‘This will affect all owners of companion animals...we believe that the only gain will be one of a financial benefit to local government bodies,’’ Ms Tresidder said.

Also at issue is the licensing and breeding of pure-bred dogs.

‘‘Pure-bred dogs and breeders are governed by the Royal New South Wales Canine Council, trading as Dogs NSW – they have been for 65 years.

‘‘Members of this organisation are bound by the code of ethics and code of practice for breeding and must abide by the organisation’s policies and procedures.

‘‘The CAT papers have recommended changes to where breeding of dogs and cats should take place, such as outside on concrete floors. Currently, breeding facilities are attached to homes or within a house environment with the care and responsibility of the owner.

‘‘My question is: who governs the breeding of cross-bred dogs and cats otherwise known as designer dogs?

‘‘That is what is out of control.’’

Local MPs Gareth Ward and Anna Watson were among those briefed on the issue at the dog show on the weekend.

Submissions and online feedback can be made until May 10.

The two taskforce reports and feedback forms are available at www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

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