SPCA has launched a campaign calling for dog breeding laws in New Zealand, backed by a new survey showing 96 per cent of New Zealanders support regulation of the industry.

The “Puppies Before Profit” campaign highlights the absence of any licensing or oversight for dog breeders, which the animal welfare organisation said allows irresponsible breeding to flourish and leaves dogs vulnerable to lifelong suffering.

The nationally representative survey found 77 per cent of respondents believe all dog breeders should be regulated, while a further 19 per cent think breeders should be regulated if breeding for profit. Only four per cent supported the status quo.

Respondents ranked the introduction of dog breeding regulations as the most impactful intervention at 91 per cent, followed by breeder licensing, incentives to desex, and an updated Code of Welfare for Dogs, each at 87 per cent.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale said the current situation was failing both animals and the public.

“New Zealand has fallen behind comparable countries. Most New Zealanders would be shocked to learn that anyone can breed dogs with no licensing, no oversight, and no restrictions on the number of litters a dog can have across her lifetime. This is unacceptable for a nation that prides itself on kindness and compassion,” she said.

“Our survey also found strong support for better education for both puppy buyers and breeders. New Zealanders want to make informed choices, and they want confidence that dogs are being bred responsibly.”

Dr Dale said the organisation dealt with the fallout of poor breeding practices every year.

“We deal with sick puppies, traumatised breeding dogs, genetic disorders, and animals kept in appalling conditions. These are not isolated incidents. This is a systemic problem that demands a systemic solution.”

SPCA responds to around 125 complaints relating to dog breeders each year, representing 72 per cent of all companion animal breeding complaints. Complaints have increased since COVID-19, with more people reporting they sourced puppies from breeders and online advertisements.

Many cases involve large numbers of animals living in poor conditions, with inspectors frequently encountering overcrowding, prolonged confinement, untreated illness, excessive breeding, inherited disorders, and the sale of sick or underage puppies.

The organisation said these problems contributed directly to the growing population of unwanted dogs, leading to increased shelter intake, roaming dogs, and attacks.

SPCA said its Inspectorate faced a significant gap in regulatory tools, forcing inspectors to rely on an ad hoc approach that did not consistently deliver good welfare outcomes. It also warned the absence of oversight increased the risk of vigilante action from distressed members of the public who felt they had no other avenue to protect animals.

The organisation wants breeder licensing, clear breeding regulations, and an updated Code of Welfare for Dogs introduced.

Dr Dale said reform would benefit everyone involved.

“Breeder licensing, in combination with clear regulations, would protect dogs, protect buyers, and support responsible breeders who are already doing the right thing.”

“Every dog deserves a good life. We are asking for puppies to be put before profit through meaningful law reform that prevents suffering before it occurs.”