Australian puppy mills

RSPCA speaks out on puppy mills

The RSPCA now includes an information page advising people of the dangers of puppy mills. "The RSPCA will continue to lobby government to amend laws to have these puppy farms banned. We also conduct campaigns to encourage the public not to purchase puppies or other pets from pet shops and instead consider adopting animals from animal shelters or responsible breeders."

Australian puppy mills under fire for cruelty

A public appetite for accessory dogs has encouraged the growth of 'puppy mills', where animals are bred in cramped conditions before being transported across long distances. The farms, which are legal in Australia, keep puppies in conditions comparable to those suffered by battery hens, critics say.

The reality of the backyard breeder

Many of the dogs were suffering conjunctivitis, fractured bones, skin problems and the living conditions were "unacceptable", RSPCA inspector Graeme Crowdon told the court. The floor was covered in dog faeces up to 10cm thick and the only source of drinking water found for the dogs was a tyre filled with sludge. There was no food.

Queensland raid - 101 dogs in "abysmal" condition

Dogs on the property including pure-bred poodles, labrador pups and a pomeranian were in filthy enclosures with matted faeces and urine in their fur and maggots in their orifices. RSPCA veterinarian Anne Covill said the living conditions were "abysmal", with many dogs suffering skin inflammations and riddled with worms.

Mongrel owners abandon posh dogs

So-called "designer dogs" are being dumped in unprecedented numbers by families unwilling to pay the high cost of caring for them.

ALV investigation into ACA breeders - "breeding machines"

Pet shop owners depend on love at first sight when people, especially kids, see the adorable little puppies as it prompts people to make an impulsive purchase. What the consumer can't see is the puppy's mother imprisoned miles away in her small pen awaiting repeated pregnancies.

Puppy mill raids - the shock and horror of Aussie puppy farms

Think puppy mills are just something they have in the United States? Sadly not - everyone needs only to read this interview with dog rescuer Debra Tranter about her experiences raiding Australian puppy mills to reminds us exactly why people should say no to animals in a pet shop.

Another Australian puppy mill raided - 70 Chihuahuas seized

More than 70 mistreated and sick chihuahuas have been seized by RSPCA inspectors in a raid on a property in south-east Queensland. RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said the owner, from Biggenden, west of Maryborough, has previous convictions for animal mistreatment.

Designer dog breeding disaster - hip dysplasia, eye problems

Animal Welfare League spokeswoman Donna Sullivan said its shelter received designer-dog disasters daily, including puppies with genetic defects and others that had been used excessively for breeding. "They are abandoned when they are unable to produce more pups."

Queensland puppy farm raids cancelled - no room left at RSPCA

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said the organisation last week had to cancel a raid on a property suspected of neglecting a large number of dogs because there was no room left in its shelters. The charity group is caring for more than 160 dogs, taken after raids on two separate breeding farms.

Fury over controversial puppy trade - Australian puppy mills

Thousands of puppies raised in squalid cages are being sold with genetic health problems to unsuspecting owners. The RSPCA investigated 21 separate breeders across Australia last financial year.

Sold and surrendered - not yet six weeks

Although six-week old Coco is too young to be away from her mother, she has already been sold from a pet shop and surrendered to an animal shelter.

Today Tonight story - designer dogs

The clever marketing of these designer dogs is a reason unscrupulous puppy farmers are mass-producing dogs like they're going out of fashion. But don't be tricked: none of the breeders for these dogs can legally be registered.

The high cost of a mass bred dog

Vineyard Vet Hospital doctor Rob Zammit blamed the rising numbers of sick dogs on mass breeding from parents with hereditary illnesses. Debbie Jordan spent nearly $140,000 raising two sick dogs bought from breeders she claims were unethical.

Dogged by bad health - demand for labradoodles, cavoodles, pugaliers leads to backyard breeders

Siobhan Sheppard was distressed to learn her $675 designer dog, a cocker spaniel-golden retriever cross, carried a genetic kidney condition that has cost a small fortune to treat. She is among a number of disgruntled animal lovers for whom buying a designer dog has turned out to be a financial and emotional disaster.

Melbourne pet retailer stops selling cats and dogs - provides rehoming/adoption facilities

One pet retailer has decided to remove all puppies and kittens from sale to highlight the risks associated with consumer impulse purchasing, which contributes to the abandonment of more than half a million puppies, kittens, dogs and cats each year nationally.

The Puppy Mill interview

Interview with Director William Wolfendon on his new Australian documentary, looking into the facts of Puppy Mills in this country.