Allegations of overbreeding have led the RSPCA to successfully shut down Tasmania’s largest puppy farm, with the organisation rescuing over 250 dogs from the site.
Tasmanian Labradoodles owners Paul and Elizabeth Bartlett were facing animal welfare charges in the Launceston Magistrates Court but opted to instead settle the long-running legal battle out of court.
RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins said the “landmark” agreement signed on Friday means the prolific Epping Forest business will close immediately and permanently.
But their website, which was still online late on Monday evening, continued to advertise a last-ditch “retirement sale” with “half price” deals on puppies older than six months.
Dozens of dogs were displayed on the website when Pulse visited, all given simple numbers and names, such as “5912 Caramel Cream Girl”.
Dawkins said the hundreds of rescued dogs, many of which have never been in contact with humans, will now undergo extensive checks and treatment in what she described as an “unprecedented” and “expensive” operation for the RSPCA.
Veterinary checks, vaccinations, behavioural assistance, food and temporary rehoming are estimated to cost $1,000 per dog, possibly more for dogs with serious medical requirements.
“We have set a goal to raise $300,000 to help us in providing the care … No matter how small the donation, every dollar counts,” Dawkins said.
“Despite their rough start, they have an invincible love of humans. They are friendly and loving, with a gentle temperament that makes them the most ideal family pet.”
The RSPCA is also urging the state government to consider reforming dog breeding laws to prevent such situations from occurring again.
“The reality is that the laws have failed all of us,” Dawkins said. “The existing law does nothing deter this from happening and nothing to penalise when it does.”
“The Tasmanian Labradoodle owners could have faced a maximum penalty of just $273,000, which is just a cost of doing business for a puppy farm with an estimated revenue of around $2 million.”
“Tasmania needs laws that ban puppy farms and we need mandatory registration, standards and conduct for breeding established.”
Lisa Bartlett, the daughter of Paul and Elizabeth, was last year banned from breeding dogs at her home in Perth after a ruling made by the Tasmanian Civil Administration Tribunal.
