News & Media: RSPCA, Copeton: Dogs found in horrifying conditions at puppy farm
RSPCA, Copeton: Dogs found in horrifying conditions at puppy farm
A father and daughter who ran a massive pet breeding operation have been sentenced for animal cruelty, after inspectors found hundreds of cats and dogs being kept in inhumane conditions.
Animal inspectors found 441 dogs, including 250 puppies, being kept at a property at Copeton, near Inverell, in northern New South Wales - with some 21 adult dogs and 41 puppies seized.
The dogs were kept inside concrete kennel blocks with no bed and on wet floors. All of the dogs had wet feet and underbellies, with some covered in liquid faeces.
The dad and daughter appeared at Inverell Local Court on May 2, pleaded guilty and were convicted of 18 offences including breeding dogs and cats for failing to take care of the animals.
A father and daughter who ran a massive pet breeding operation have been sentenced for animal cruelty, after inspectors found hundreds of cats and dogs being kept in inhumane conditions
The dad and daughter appeared at Inverell Local Court on May 2, pleaded guilty and were convicted of 18 offences including breeding dogs and cats for failing to take care of the animals
The defendants were investigated by the RSPCA NSW\'s Intensive Breeding Taskforce (IBTF) after reports that a dog called Strawberry had died after not receiving veterinary treatment.
RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Liz Arnott, determined that Strawberry had suffered from dystocia, a condition considered to be a veterinary emergency, for approximately 40 hours.
Dystocia is the difficulty of producing a litter of pups through the birth canal during labour.
It was established that because Strawberry had been left untreated, this caused her to suffer systemic illness, weakness, and ultimately lead to her premature death.
RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers said: \'The facts in relation to Strawberry are nothing short of heartbreaking.\'
Animal inspectors found 441 dogs, including 250 puppies, being kept at a property at Copeton, near Inverell, in northern New South Wales - with some 21 adult dogs and 41 puppies seized
The dogs were kept inside concrete kennel blocks with no bed and on wet floors. All of the dogs had wet feet and underbellies, with some covered in liquid faeces (pictured)
It was concluded by vets that these animals were suffering from a range of health issues including ear infections, severe dental disease, intestinal worms, poor body condition, conjunctivitis, matted coats, wounds, and urine scalding.
On top of the dogs being seized, the defendants were also issued written directions requiring them to ensure 32 dogs received veterinary treatment within two to four weeks.
Antibiotics, medications, pain relief, dental procedures, surgeries, MRI and CT scans were undertaken for the dogs that had been seized.
All of the dogs were adopted by loving families.
It was concluded by vets that these animals were suffering from a range of health issues including ear infections, severe dental disease, intestinal worms, poor body condition, conjunctivitis, matted coats, wounds, and urine scalding
The court convicted and fined the father and daughter a combined total of more than $20,000.
They will now have to reduce their breeding operation from 180 bitches and 25 stud dogs to 80 bitches and 25 stud dogs.
The pair also have to pay $150,000 in animal care costs due to the decreased size of the facility.
If you have animal welfare concerns, please call RSPCA NSW to investigate on 1300 CRUELTY.
