Dog welfare laws will be reviewed in Tasmania with a focus on removing "exemptions" relating to the care of greyhounds.
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An animal welfare group has in recent months raised concerns about the treatment of racing greyhounds by trainers, sharing footage it claims shows sub-par living conditions.
In August, the state's racing watchdog launched an investigation into trainer Anthony Bullock after images surfaced of greyhounds allegedly being kept in small tin sheds and concrete kennels.
The Tasmanian government on Wednesday announced a review of dog welfare regulations.
Primary Industries Minister Jo Palmer said 2016 laws set minimum standards for facilities such as animal shelters, pounds, pet shops and rearing and training premises.
She said there were currently exemptions for premises with three or more female breeding dogs over six months of age which supply working or hunting dogs or registered greyhounds.
"This means that a registered greyhound trainer that has a very large breeding operation, for example more than 50 dogs, can be exempt from the requirements for dog breeding facilities," Ms Palmer said.
" ... this may not be conducive to animal welfare outcomes. It is this government's intention to remove this exemption for greyhounds."
Ms Palmer said the 2015 Tasracing animal welfare greyhound manual outlined standards but these were not always enforceable.
She said the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Office of Racing Integrity and the RSPCA would analyse regulations to ensure they were contemporary and enforceable.
Working and hunting dogs will also be considered during the review, she said.
The department will also look at options to better regulate dog breeders to improve welfare standards and respond to community concerns about puppy farms.
The draft regulations are expected to be released for consultation early next year.
Australian Associated Press
