IDENTIFICATION numbers for dog breeders and caps on the number of litters dogs can have, will become mandatory next month as part of a crackdown on unethical dog-breeding practices.

The changes, part of the NSW Government’s plans to improve animal welfare across the state, will make it easier for people who are looking to purchase a puppy, to find an ethical and accountable breeder.

From Monday, December 1, 2025, all breeders in New South Wales will be required to have a Breeder Identification Number and all advertisements for the sale or transfer of dogs must include a dog’s microchip, the Breeder’s BIN, or Rehoming Organisation Number if born after this date.

There will be a cap of 20 non-desexed female dogs over the age of six months to be kept at a premises, unless breeders have been granted an exemption and female dogs will be limited to five litters in their lifetime or up to three by caesarean.

Additionally, one staff member to every 20 dogs must be introduced at the breeding premises.

The changes come with new penalties, such as a maximum $110,000 penalty for an individual and $550,000 for a corporation for exceeding the cap on female dog numbers.

Individuals could also face jail time.

Breeders can apply for a Breeder Identification Number online.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the government is committed to advocating for animals and ensuring their safety as well as giving families confidence they can purchase a puppy from a trusted breeder.

ID numbers for dog breeders and caps on the number of litters dogs can have, will become mandatory next month.

“I recognise most breeders do the right thing, and these new laws support those who are already doing the right thing by their animals, by weeding out the bad actors,” she said.

“These law changes will ensure breeders are held accountable and those in animal welfare law enforcement are given the support they need.

“We’ve already banned puppy farms and prevented people convicted of animal cruelty offences from keeping and breeding animals. We will continue to take a strong stance on animal welfare.”

Animal Welfare League NSW CEO, Stephen Albin, said the law changes are a great step in eliminating backyard breeders and improving the welfare of our dogs at every stage of their lives.

“Protecting animals from cruelty and neglect is a vital role of the Animal Welfare League, and we’re happy to see the NSW Government taking a strong stance on animal welfare,” he said.

“Education is a key part of what the Animal Welfare League does in protecting animals and we look forward to working with the government to ensure dog breeders and those looking to welcome a pet into their home have all the information they need to put the welfare of all animals first.”

DOGS NSW Media and Government Legislation Committee Member Natalie Robbins said DOGS NSW is pleased to see the NSW Government continue to prioritise animal welfare by introducing these reforms.

“Our members already adhere to a strict code of ethics, so to see laws being introduced across the state that requires high standards for any breeder, not just our members, is a good thing,” she said.