Following a complaint about dogs being kept in “appalling conditions”, the RSPCA have conducted an investigation into an alleged ‘puppy farm’ on a property in northern NSW.
Fairfax report that RSPCA NSW were informed about the property last week by animal rights group Oscar’s Law. It was alleged that dogs were living in “cramped pens” with inadequate food and water, surrounded by piles of feces.
Five inspectors and two vet nurses were present at the two-day investigation. The RSPCA say that after veterinary checks were carried out, no animals were removed. They have not commented further, except to say inquiries are ongoing.
“There were only a handful of small problems when it comes down to an individual animal’s welfare,” the RSPCA’s chief inspector David O’Shanessy clarified to The ABC.
“There were, however, significant issues and areas of non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for breeding dogs and cats, and that prescribes the minimum standard of housing.”
Oscar’s Law claim that dead dogs were found on the property, and provided a graphic image to Fairfax. The owner, however, denies this, saying “I don’t know where they found the dead dog, but it certainly wasn’t here.”
The RSPCA define puppy farms as intensive dog breeding facilities, with areas of “extreme confinement”, inadequate veterinary care, unhygienic living conditions and overcrowded housing.
Images provided by Debra Tranter of Oscar’s Law
The RSPCA’s Close Puppy Factories website has information on how you can take action against and spread awareness of unethical dog breeding.
