Many Victorians are preparing to bring a new pet into their lives, and RSPCA Victoria is urging the public to be vigilant when purchasing, and to beware that it is illegal to buy animals in places such as parks, roadsides, and car parks.

Illegal breeders or sellers operate covertly, provide misleading information, and request to meet in public, to complete the sale of an animal.

In early December, RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team executed multiple Domestic Animals Act warrants across two properties in Ballarat in relation to the illegal sale of kittens from an unregistered animal business. Inspectors seized six Burmese kittens due to non-compliance with the mandatory Code of Practice and RSPCA is currently investigating multiple suspects.

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate Team Leader – Major Investigations, Lisa Calleja, said it is important to research before purchasing a pet.

“If you cannot find a suitable pet to adopt and instead choose to purchase, it is important to make sure you are purchasing from a registered breeder operating a legal breeding facility,” she said.

“A responsible breeder will answer all your questions, provide accurate information, and will allow you to visit the location where the animal lives to ensure the standard of care and living conditions are appropriate and that it has been bred for a temperament suited to being a pet.

“Many people unknowingly purchase animals from illegal businesses that sell animals from public places to hide the location of their operations.”

“The subjects of RSPCA Victoria investigations are often sophisticated networks that use covert methods, so our inspectorate team relies on the public for information that may assist with investigations.

“Significant investigations and successful prosecutions do eventuate as a direct result of tip offs from the public, so we encourage anyone with information to make a report.

“All details, no matter how insignificant they may seem, are welcome and all tip offs are reviewed.”

RSPCA Victoria recommends future pet owners to read the RSPCA Smart Buyers Guide.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 specifies that dogs and cats must be sold from either a registered domestic animal business, from a private residence or sold at a place where an animal sale permit is in place.

Penalties can apply for those who sell dogs and cats from a public place. Individuals could face a maximum penalty of $5547.60, while body corporates could face a maximum penalty of $27,438.

Reports made to RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team must be lodged via https://rspcavic.org/tip-off-form/ or by calling 9224 2222.