In August I posted about proposed changes in animal welfare legislation in Victoria, Australia. You can read about it here.

Today I got this email from the Bureau of Animal Welfare … and I couldn’t help but smile. It’s nowhere near good enough. But it’s a paw in the right direction.

Thank you for your submission to the public comment period on the draft Revised Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses (Revised Code).

We received overwhelming interest from the general public and more than 20,000 submissions were received and are now being registered and reviewed.

While the Minster had hoped to release the Revised Code by September 2013, due to the level of public interest this will not be possible.

We are working hard to collate and review all submissions.  As soon as this is completed, the Minster will be advised of the collated content for his consideration to determine the final content of the Code.

Please be assured that the Revised Code will include:

a)        a ban on the use of blunt force trauma as a form of euthanasia;
b)        a requirement for barbiturate overdose to be carried out by a veterinarian; and
c)        a ban on the use of wire floors in any pens used for housing breeding dogs or cats and their puppies or kittens.

Regards
Bureau of Animal Welfare
Department of Environment and Primary Industries

It took each of those 20,000 people a small amount of time in their day to speak up for those with no voice. Because not all dogs are this loved …

So next time you find yourself wondering can one person really make a difference? Your answer should be a resounding YES THEY CAN!