The RSPCA has inspected a puppy factory in Gippsland, Victoria, rescuing more than 40 dogs that required urgent veterinary attention.
RSPCA Victoria Senior Inspector Simon Primrose described the conditions as the worst he’s seen.
“They were deplorable. It was quite depressing for the dogs to be living in,” Mr. Primrose said.
“It ranged from really wet kennels with three to four dogs standing around in their own urine, to pups being kept in conditions where there was no natural sunlight at all.”
He said his team responded to a complaint of approximately 100 dogs living in pretty poor conditions, but they found more than 200 dogs.
“It’s horrifying that these dogs have been suffering in a puppy factory that has operated as a legal business,” Mr. Primrose said.
The discovery comes as public awareness about puppy factories continues to increase. Several hundred dog lovers gathered on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament on Sunday, World Puppy Farm Awareness Day, to try to shut down puppy factories.
Rally organiser Debra Tranter wants the government to introduce Oscar’s Law which calls for stricter regulations for dog breeders and heavier penalties for those who don’t comply. “Codes of Practice for breeding establishments are absolutely pathetic,” Ms Tranter said.
“They are not stringent enough, are not being enforced by local councils and are sentencing thousands of dogs to a life of imprisonment, most in absolutely deplorable conditions.”
She said many people are unaware that they are supporting puppy farms when they buy a dog at pet stores, online or in newspapers.
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