Australia has the highest rate of pet ownership in the world and pets play an important role in our society. In NSW there are about two million companion animals; four out of five Australians have owned a pet at some time; and almost two-thirds of Australian households currently own pets.

Most people don't realize that more than 60,000 pets are put down each year in NSW not including animals dumped in national parks that die of starvation or are killed by other animals.

The average life of a dog is only two years; and a single undesexed cat can produce 420,000 offspring in seven years risking significant harm to the natural ecosystem.

Many pets are abandoned because they were bought on impulse as cute puppies and kittens displayed in shops, but had unanticipated costs, time, effort and responsibilities. Impulse buying is fine for clothes or shoes, but living animals need on-going care and attention.

The display of pets in shops promotes impulse buying, creating demand often met by unscrupulous breeders who continue to produce more animals despite an oversupply particularly in "puppy farms" where animals are kept in appalling conditions to reduce costs and maximize profits.

With the support of animal welfare groups including the RSPCA, I introduced legislation this week to protect the lives and well-being of dogs, cats and other mammals by promoting responsible purchase of pets and prohibiting their sale in pet shops, and at fairs and markets.

Under my Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill, people will be able to buy animals from registered breeders, animal pounds and shelters or their local vet. Prospective owners will be matched with an animal and provided with detailed written information about its special needs and requirements.

Pet shops will still sell food and accessories and other animals such as birds and fish, and also act as agents for animal shelters. These changes will reduce cruel and intense breeding practices to meet demand created by impulse buying, and enable more responsible pet ownership.

My Bill is supported by the RSPCA, Animal Liberation, Young Lawyers Animal Rights Committee, Say No to Animals in Pet Shops, World League for the Protection of Animals, the Cat Protection Society, the Humane Society International, Doggie Rescue, Dogs NSW and the American Staffordshire Club of NSW. I have received many calls and emails of support from people across Australia. The Bill is yet to be debated in Parliament.

Clover Moore.