Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) would like to relay the following update from The Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI):
November 2023 – from the Chief Animal Welfare Officer NSW DPI – Update
- Due to the current feline vaccine shortage, RSPCA NSW and the Animal Welfare League NSW, enforcement agencies for the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice No 5 – Dogs and cats in animal boarding establishments, have agreed that NSW boarding establishments can waive the requirement for adult cats to have their annual booster vaccinations until early 2024.
- Biosecurity practices in boarding facilities should be enhanced to minimise the spread of contagious diseases during this time.
Additional information:
- This temporary change has been communicated to the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA), which represents Boarding facilities.
- The Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) administers but does not enforce the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1975 (POCTAA) and its associated Standards and Codes of Practice.
- POCTAA enforcement in NSW is carried out by authorised enforcement agencies: RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League NSW and the NSW Police.
- The NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice No 5 – Dogs and cats in animal boarding establishments is designed for everyone involved in the holding and care of dogs and cats for boarding. Standard 6.1.2 states: ‘For cats, vaccination against feline infectious enteritis and feline respiratory disease is required. A current vaccination certificate (certifying that vaccination was done within the preceding 12 months) must be produced for each cat before admission’.
- Further information on the laws, regulations and Standards in place in NSW to help ensure good welfare outcomes for companion animal can be found here: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/animal-welfare/animal-care-and-welfare/other/dogs-and-cats
The Australian Veterinary Association has released a statement about how to best manage the cat vaccine shortage. https://www.ava.com.au/news/feline-vaccine-shortage/