RSPCA Tasmania has launched an independent review into “concerning historic footage” allegedly captured at a now-closed puppy farm in the state’s north.
Tasmanian Labradoodles at Epping Forest, south of Launceston, housed more than 250 dogs before its breeding operation was shut down in July.
The RSPCA dropped 70 charges for alleged overbreeding against the owners, Paul and Elizabeth Bartlett, in exchange for the farm’s closure.
RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins said the review will determine whether any individuals or entities, including the former owners, can be prosecuted.
“The review will examine why charges were not laid at the time and whether charges can be laid against any person or entity now, with a report due by the 22nd of November,” she said in a statement to Pulse.
The move follows allegations made by a former employee in an anonymous TV interview, claiming that he was instructed to put a live puppy in the freezer on his first day.
The worker told Stateline that sick, dying or dead puppies and dogs were ‘regularly’ stored in the freezer and that he felt he “didn’t have much choice” in carrying out his role.
He said he would regularly film the dogs in the freezer.
“I sent videos and photos to my friends at the time just to make sure and find comfort knowing, that I wasn’t going crazy, thinking this isn’t right,” he said.
“Because I was working for people who thought it was right, so it was more of a mental check-in for me to send my friends videos.”
Dawkins described footage filmed as “deeply concerning” and said that under her leadership, she would “leave no stone unturned” to ensure all animal welfare issues are handled appropriately.
“As the incidents pre-date my time as the RSPCA CEO, I have appointed an independent consultant to review all related footage and associated material,” she said.
“I want to send a clear message to anyone who breaks the law and hurts animals – we will take every action possible to hold you to account for your cowardly and illegal acts.”
“The RSPCA is continuing to vigorously call on the Tasmanian Government to urgently reform Tasmania’s Animal Welfare Legislation.”
“Tasmania’s existing laws have failed us grossly in the past and right now there is nothing stopping history from repeating itself.”
“The laws must change and they must change as a matter of absolute urgency.”
Tasmanian Labradoodles has not yet commented on the matter.
