RSPCA: Tougher Laws Needed After Puppy Farm Convictions
South Australian animal welfare authorities spotlight the pressing need for stronger animal protection laws following a recent case of widespread animal breeding and hoarding deemed “horrific.”
The RSPCA has unfolded distressing images depicting over 100 animals subjected to deplorable living conditions before their rescue from a property in SA’s Mid North. Among the animals rescued were dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, native birds, possums and a bettong.
Woefully, three animals, including two dogs and a bettong, had to be euthanized due to severe health issues. RSPCA inspectors, prompted by a cruelty report on November 3, 2020, faced distressing scenes of animals residing amidst filth, rubbish and ammonia in a dwelling devoid of electricity.
Inspectors discovered 11 kangaroos on the property, with one suffering from a deformed leg that had been previously broken, as reported by the RSPCA.
“Encrusted and hardened dirt, faces and hair covered all floors. Dirt extended up walls and over benchtops and heavy cobwebs hung from the ceilings.”
RSPCA stated in a statement
Treatment of Infections and Matting in Animal Fur
In the course of initial inspection, over 60 dogs, 11 cats and kittens, a possum, a bettong, a wattle bird and a magpie were rescued from the property and underwent thorough examination by veterinarians over a two-day period.
Additionally, several dogs required complete tooth removal, while one underwent partial jaw removal due to severe conditions. Another dog had an eye surgically removed due to a corneal ulcer caused by over grown hair and a further dog underwent a leg amputation.
RSPCA inspectors, accompanied by SA Police, revisited the property on November 10, 2020. They discovered a significant number of animals afflicted with health issues. Among the distressing findings were a goat with a broken leg, a mule exhibiting a large distended stomach, a brushtail possum confined to a wooden box and turtles housed in small tanks without access to dry areas.
Subsequently, inspectors seized over 20 dogs, two possums, two galahs and a corella from the premises. The RSPCA incurred expenses totaling $46,000 for the treatment and care of these animals.
RSPCA’s Plea for Robust Animal Welfare Legislation
In proceedings at the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the women admitted guilt to 11 charges of animal ill-treatment under the Animal Welfare Act. Hence, they received a suspended jail sentence of three months and 18 days, alongside a two-year $500 good behavior bond.
“The case highlights not only the failure of SA’s breeder regulations to stop low-welfare operators, but also the need for a legal reform that RSPCA SA hopes to see introduced when the current review of SA’s Animal Welfare Act is completed.”
RSPCA stated in a statement
Andrew Baker – RSPCA SA inspector – said in the RSPCA statement:
“These defendants were registered breeders and had previously supplied puppies to pet shops.”
