The RSPCA and an independent MP are pushing for legislative changes to ban puppy farms in Tasmania following the recent closure of the state’s largest breeding operation.
Chief executive Andrea Dawkins said it took the animal welfare organisation three years to shut down Tasmanian Labradoodles, which she described as the state’s “biggest and worst” puppy farm.
“Over that drawn out legal battle, the breeders were able to continue to operate and hundreds of dogs were born into poor health and many never had contact with humans,” she said.
“This was an appalling chapter in animal welfare for our state and we cannot ever let this happen again.”
The e-petition to the state parliament, backed by Franklin Independent David O’Byrne, calls for new laws that set limits on the number of breeding dogs, litters and breeding cycles.
“The laws failed all of us and the existing law does nothing to deter this from happening again,” Dawkins said.
“The laws must change and they must change urgently.”
O’Byrne says the new laws would protect “the ethical breeders” but calls out those who are engaging in behaviour harmful to animals.
“This includes mandatory registration for breeders and a code of practice for breeders and breeding facilities,” he said.
“We are calling on all Tasmanians, not just those who love and own dogs, to sign and share this petition. Your voice needs to be heard.”
A Tasmanian Government spokesperson said they agree that regulations need to be strengthened “to make sure that a situation like Tasmanian Labradoodles never happens again”.
