From July 1 it will be an offence if a person does not use an identifying number, such as a microchip or breeder ID number, in any for sale advertisement.

It is already law within New South Wales that any animal being sold or given away must be microchipped prior to changing hands but these new changes will now make it illegal to fail to list that number when advertising them.

Once the laws come into place if you have an animal which you wish to sell you will be required to include their identifying number (such as a microchip number) on the advertisement.

This applies regardless of whether you are charging for the animal or giving it away for free or whether you are a registered breeder or simply someone who's family pet has had a litter of puppies or kittens.

Each dog, cat, puppy or kittens identifying number must be included in any advertisement posted online, on Gumtree, in print or in any other form of advertising.

Failure to list the number can see the seller issued with an on-the-spot fine of $330 by an enforcement officer.

For more information on these new laws visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals

With the introduction of these new stricter laws there has never been a better time to get your dog or cat desexed and avoid the costs involved to microchip and rehome an unwanted litter.

The Animal Welfare League NSW offers assistance with the cost of desexing to those on low income with a pension or health care card.

The volunteers from the Shoalhaven Branch of AWL NSW will be at the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter off BTU Road, Nowra Hill on Sunday, June 16.

Thereafter on the second Sunday of each month, they will also be at the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter between 10am - 12pm to help with subsidised desexing vouchers. Animals must be present to have their microchip verified for the voucher.

For more information on the AWL NSW subsidised desexing program call 0429 429 885.

The Animal Welfare League NSW also has many animals up for adoption.