The purpose of this policy is to regulate the commercial trade of live native animals so that conservation risks are minimised and the welfare requirements of captive animals are met.
The policy informs prospective commercial operators and hobbyists holding a native animal keeper licence of regulatory requirements when trading in native reptiles and birds as a commercial business.
Policy summary
Key elements of the policy include:
- Under Part 2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Environment, Energy and Science (DPIE – EES) may grant an animal dealer licence, a class of biodiversity conservation licence, to allow a person to commercially trade in traditionally traded native bird species and a limited number of reptile species.
- The business of an animal dealer can only be carried out at the premises specified on the animal dealer's registration certificate. In the case of reptiles, this can only be a pet shop as defined in the policy.
- Prospective animal dealers will be required to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills in keeping native animals prior to the issue of a licence by DPIE – EES, and demonstrate compliance with the conditions of their licence and the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Animals in Pet Shops.
- All reptiles traded at a registered premises must be kept in the care of a person who can demonstrate that they have at least 3 years relevant experience.
- An animal dealer must accept the return of any reptile purchased from them at no cost to the purchaser. This requirement must be displayed at each registered premises in a conspicuous location.
- An animal dealer is required to keep an ongoing record of any purchases, sales or movements of animals in a format prescribed by DPIE – EES.
- The commercial trade of native amphibians and mammals is not permitted in New South Wales.
