The Cook government’s handling of a new centralised pet registration website has been branded a “dog’s breakfast” after a $9.8 million contract to build the software was abruptly cancelled, leaving the promise in limbo.
The PetsWA website was a key pillar in the Labor government’s anti-puppy farming legislation – which came into effect last week – and was integral to an overhaul of how pets are registered in the state.
The PetsWA registration website is in limbo.
It was due to be up and running by the middle of this year and would have combined the dog and cat registries of 139 local governments.
However, Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley revealed to parliament last week the government and software developer Seisma had mutually agreed to cease the $9.8 million contract.
“[The contract] was entered into to establish an efficient, accessible and reliable system to support responsible pet ownership and the reforms to stop puppy farming. However, after thorough consideration, it was determined that ending the contract was the most appropriate course of action,” she said.
“As minister for local government, I am disappointed that the delivery and implementation of a CRS as planned has not been possible.”
Opposition local government spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr said the “dog’s breakfast” left local governments in the lurch.
“Local governments have been waiting for several years this promised support, which would not
only have made it easier for families and pets to move between local government areas, but which
was also a centrepiece of Labor’s Stop Puppy Farming laws,” she said.
“As recently as November, the minister was claiming the system was on track for delivery by mid-
2025, however, now we find it has been abandoned entirely.”
Beazley would not say how much was spent on the Seisma contract to date, nor whether the state would pursue another provider to build the pet registration system.
She said the decision gave local and state governments time to relook at the how to approach statewide registration.
“We now have an opportunity to reflect and reengage with local governments and the animal welfare sector on charting a path forward,” she said.
“The state government is currently reviewing its options and will provide further information once it is available.”
Seisma did complete some work on the system which could be built on by another provider.
WAtoday understands risks with the PetsWA project were escalated to the project’s steering committee.
Through the ‘stop puppy farming’ legislation, from May 26 pet shops in WA can no longer sell puppies or dogs from their premises unless they are supplied by an approved animal rescue organisation or pound.
Seisma were approached for comment.