Every dog has its day, but those who breed masses of them illegally in Queensland are about to have their last.
A crackdown on puppy farms is looming, and laws to stamp out the cruel practice are to be introduced early next year.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Sunday another round of consultation on puppy farms and dog breeding, which she says is needed to get the regulations right.
The new laws will require anyone with more than 20 puppies to be a registered breeder and ensure the dogs are microchipped at 12 weeks of age.
"If people start purchasing their dogs from registered breeders, it's going to ensure it's harder for these illegal puppy farms to operate," Ms Palaszczuk said, after cuddling some puppies at the Ekka show.
There are an estimated 100 illegal puppy farms in Queensland where dogs live in cruel conditions.
"We know in some instances a female breeding dog never leaves the cage," the premier said.
"This is irresponsible and this is animal cruelty."
The RSPCA's Mark Townend said the internet had helped expand the puppy farm business and urgent action was needed.
"People can hide in the back blocks of Queensland and sell the animals to the city folk," he said.
Ms Palaszczuk said the laws could be enacted quicker if there was bipartisan support and defended the government undertaking more consultation on the issue.
Labor had already campaigned for laws when in opposition to make registration requirements tougher for dog breeders.
It also did public consultation on a two-tier breeder registration system in January 2012, months before it was voted out of government.
