Independent MP Kristie Johnston has called on the government to provide immediate funding to animal welfare organisations to ensure they are not out of pocket in dealing with the ‘labradoodle welfare crisis’.
Her comments come after the RSPCA successfully shut down the Tasmanian Labradoodles breeding operation at Epping Forest, rescuing over 250 dogs.
“Tasmanians have been horrified at the treatment of 250 labradoodles. They are angry that due to the inadequacies of this government’s animal welfare laws, prosecutions weren’t possible and that these breeders were able to operate for so long and inflict so much harm and suffering on so many dogs,” Johnston said in Parliament on Tuesday.
“Thankfully, through the amazing negotiation skills of the RSPCA, the dogs have been rescued and ordinary Tasmanians have generously donated $300,000 to the RSPCA to help care for these neglected and abused dogs.”
The RSPCA will share $1,000 per dog to other organisations who have come on board to provide assistance, but Johnston warned “hefty vet bills” will consume much of the cash.
Minister for Primary Industries Jane Howlett responded by saying that the government “never want to see this situation ever happen again in Tasmania” but provided no comment on additional funding.
“[We] are undertaking a review of the Animal Welfare Dog Regulation Act 2016 to prevent overbreeding, stamp out puppy farms and improve welfare for all dogs, including greyhounds,” she said.
“It is also proposed the Dog Control Act 2000 will be amended to require dogs over 12 weeks of age to be microchipped and introduce new provisions to enable information sharing between councils and animal welfare regulators to better identify any potential dog breeding operations.”
Howlett said the government is currently working with the RSPCA to progress the review and encouraged public consultation on the proposed amendments later this year.
“I’d like to thank the generosity of the Tasmanian people and how they have reacted to this campaign,” she said.
