The final dogs have been removed from a disgraced Tasmanian puppy farm after a mammoth five-week operation involving multiple organisations.
The RSPCA forced the closure of Tasmanian Labradoodles, the state’s largest puppy producer, in July after legal action was taken against its owners over allegations of overbreeding.
“Today, we saved the final 28 labradoodles from the puppy farm bringing the total number of rescued dogs to 239,” RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins said on Friday.
“This is the single biggest animal welfare operation in Tasmania’s history and it has been a success because of your support.”
Over $300,000 was raised by the community to cover vet bills and other expenses for each dog, some of which left the farm extremely matted and with serious health problems.
“It’s incredible to celebrate ‘mission accomplished’ on the rescue phase of this unprecedented operation, but there is still a great deal of hard work ahead as we now focus on rehabilitation and rehoming phases,” Dawkins said.
“With the money that was generously donated, we’re now working through vet checks, vaccinations, desexing and behavioural assistance for each labradoodle.”
She said a small number of the dogs have conditions that need extra care, including ear infections, hernias and hip problems.
“We are also continuing work through the overwhelming number of offers of foster and adoptions homes and thank everyone for their interest,” she said.
“It has been so rewarding to see many of our labradoodles settle into foster and forever homes across Tasmania and quickly become much loved members of the family.”
Dawkins said the RSPCA would continue to campaign for urgent changes to dog regulations to ensure similar situations cannot happen again.
“The reality is that the existing laws in Tasmania have failed us, and those laws must change,” she said.
“We want to see urgent action to ban puppy farms, mandatory registration for breeders and a code of practice for breeders and facilities.”
