Bridgetown puppy farmer fined over sickening living conditions for labradoodles
Inside the puppy farm from hell: the heartbreaking scenes rescuers encountered at an illegal puppy farm where dogs were kept in their own urine and feces
- Western Australian dog breeder fined $140,000
- Puppies found alive in urine and faeces
A dog breeder was fined $140,000 after forcing his Labradoodles to live in appalling conditions.
The 60-year-old man forced the 39 puppies to live in their own urine and feces at the puppy farm in Bridgetown, Western Australia.
Dogs were found with feces in their fur, dental problems, painful infections and weight problems so severe they couldn’t move.
A dog breeder has been fined $140,000 after forcing his labradoodles to live in appalling living conditions
The 60-year-old man forced the 39 puppies to live in their own urine and feces at the puppy farm in Bridgetown, Western Australia
A customer had discovered the sickening conditions after visiting the property to purchase a puppy for $5,000 in January 2022.
RSPCA WA immediately launched an investigation and asked an inspector to visit the property to assess the aggravating conditions.
A spokeswoman said the putrid appearance so offended the customer that she refused to go through with the purchase.
“There were huge piles of garbage, dogs running around barking and fighting, and the older dogs had tangles and dirty coats with feces in their fur,” she said.
“One was stuck to the edge of the bed, and one was seen drinking stagnant water from an open, broken sewer line.”
RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green added that the dogs appeared to be suffering from more than just physical injuries.
“Many of the dogs and puppies also suffered significant psychological damage as determined by a veterinary behaviorist,” she said.
“Some of them stood in their kennels for weeks after they first came here, staring at the wall and refusing to interact.”
The dog breeder pleaded guilty to 28 counts of animal cruelty.
A customer had discovered the sickening conditions after visiting the property to purchase a puppy for $5,000 in January 2022
RSPCA WA immediately launched an investigation and asked an inspector to visit the property to assess the aggravating conditions
Bunbury Magistrates Court heard the man had no regard for the welfare of the animals and hoped to cash in on their popularity.
He was fined $112,000 and ordered to pay an additional $28,140 in damages.
The 60-year-old was banned from owning an animal for three years, while the Crown forfeited labradoodles.
“This is what people should consider when looking for a ‘cute’ puppy,” Ms Green said.
“If you buy from an unregistered breeder, if you buy from the internet or social media, or if you buy without seeing that the puppy is raised in clean, safe conditions and its mother is happy and healthy, there is a chance that you support this kind of cruelty.’