A prominent Tasmanian dog breeding company is facing over 70 charges for allegedly overbreeding their female dogs.
Tasmanian Labradoodles, owned and operated by Elizabeth and Paul Bartlett from Epping Forest, are accused of violating animal welfare regulations by exceeding the legal limit of two litters per female dog within 18 months.
The Bartletts, both in their 60s, made their first court appearance at Launceston Magistrates Court, accompanied by their defence lawyer Grant Tucker.
The court granted their request for an adjournment without plea until August 15.
While the specifics of the alleged offences were not disclosed in court, the couple’s lawyer emphasised that there were no accusations of cruelty against his clients or their business.
Instead, he claimed that the charges revolved around a disagreement over canine breeding cycles.
The husband and wife pair are understood to breed with 45 female dogs and 51 male dogs and ship their puppies worldwide, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $7,000 each.
