The largest puppy farm in Tasmania was successfully shut down by the RSPCA due to allegations of overbreeding; more than 250 pups were rescued from the facility.
Paul and Elizabeth Bartlett, owners of Tasmanian Labradoodles, chose to resolve their protracted legal dispute out of court rather than face animal welfare charges in the Launceston Magistrates Court.
The “landmark” agreement agreed on Friday, according to RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins, means that the well-known Epping Forest company will close immediately and permanently.
An estimated $1,000 will cover a dog’s veterinary examination, shots, food, behavioral support, and temporary rehoming; this amount may increase for pets with significant medical needs.
“We want to raise $300,000 to support us in giving the care that we need. Every donation, no matter how tiny, matters, according to Dawkins.
They had a difficult beginning, but they have an unbreakable love for others. Their mild disposition along with their kind and caring nature make them the perfect family pet.
In order to keep situations like this from happening in the future, the RSPCA is also pleading with the state government to think about changing the dog breeding rules.
However, their website was still up late on Monday night, promoting a final-ditch “retirement sale” with discounts of “half price” for puppies older than six months.
When Pulse visited the website, dozens of canines with straightforward names and numbers—like “5912 Caramel Cream Girl”—were on show.
In what Dawkins called a “unprecedented” and “expensive” operation for the RSPCA, the hundreds of rescued dogs—many of whom have never met a human—will now receive thorough examinations and treatment.
Dawkins stated, “The truth is that we have all been let down by the laws.” “The current law does nothing to punish when this occurs and nothing to prevent it from happening.”
“A puppy farm with an estimated revenue of around $2 million could have incurred a maximum penalty of just $273,000, which is just a cost of doing business for the owners of Tasmanian Labradoodles.”
“We need to establish standards and conduct for breeding, as well as laws that forbid puppy farms in Tasmania.”
Paul and Elizabeth Bartlett’s daughter Lisa was prohibited by a Tasmanian Civil Administration Tribunal order last year from breeding dogs at her Perth home.
