More than 250 puppies have been surrendered to the RSPCA after the shutdown of Tasmania’s biggest puppy farm.
The permanent and immediate closure of Tasmanian Labradoodles was secured in an out-of-court agreement last Friday amid allegations of overbreeding.
RSPCA Tasmania first brought 70 charges against co-owners Elizabeth and Paul Bartlett in early 2023.
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The charges relate to alleged overbreeding between April 2021 and February 2023.
Last week the pair reached an out-of-court settlement with the RSPCA, resulting in its closure and the surrender of all of its dogs.
RSPCA chief executive Andrea Dawkins said the case was “unprecedented” and it was now tasked with the costly process of rehoming hundreds of puppies.
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“We have been fighting to close Tasmania’s largest puppy farm for around three years, and we’ve finally succeeded,” Dawkins said.
“Now, the RSPCA needs urgent financial help to provide veterinary care, foster homes and ultimately adoption for more than 250 labradoodles currently at the property.
“Many of these dogs have never been in contact with a human, they will need so much attention and care before they are ready to be part of a loving family with the life they so deserve.”
Dawkins estimates rehoming will cost about $1000 per puppy, which covers veterinary checks, vaccinations, behavioural assistance and food.
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“We have set a goal to raise $300,000 to help us in providing the care, medical requirements and loving foster environments to set these labradoodles on their pathway to forever homes,” Dawkins said.
“We will also need foster homes and ultimately adoptions for every one of the 250 dogs.
“Despite their rough start, they have an invincible love of humans. They are friendly and loving, with a gentle temperament that makes them the most ideal family pet.”
The RSPCA is calling on the Tasmanian government to reform the state’s dog regulations.
“The reality is that the laws have failed all of us,” Dawkins said.
“The existing law does nothing to deter this from happening and nothing to penalise when it does.”
“Under the existing laws, the Tasmanian Labradoodle owners could have faced a maximum penalty of just $273,000, which is just a cost of doing business for a puppy farm with an estimated revenue of around $2 million.
“The laws must change. We cannot let a situation like this happen ever again.”
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