A LOCAL animal rights crusader has branded the RSPCA “negligent” for not shutting down a puppy farm near Armidale found to be mistreating some of its animals.
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A leaked vet’s report from the 2012 raid of the farm, obtained by The Northern Daily Leader, reveals the majority of the 155 dogs examined had some form of health issue, ranging from serious tumours and rotting teeth to overgrown nails and matted coats.
The farm’s owner, Jennifer Frazer, was forced to pay an $11,500 fine and surrender 27 dogs following the RSPCA inspection.
Inverell’s spokeswoman for animal liberation group Oscar’s Law Judy Scrivener said the RSPCA had been derelict in its duty by “walking away” from the other suffering animals on the property.
The RSPCA has strongly rejected the claims, saying it could only act within the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and was conducting an ongoing investigation into practices at the farm.
“I’m shocked the RSPCA could identify so many dogs with health problems and still walk away and leave more than 120 dogs in that woman’s care,” Ms Scrivener said.
“What has the RSPCA put in place to ensure those dogs have been attended to?
“They (the RSPCA) only focus on whether a dog has food, water and shelter, but a dog can have these things and still be mistreated.
“Many of these dogs have never walked on grass, never felt a pat or never felt the sun on their backs.”
Oscar’s Law supporters have sent more than 10,000 emails in recent days to state ministers protesting the decision not to prosecute.
Both Oscar’s Law and the RSPCA are campaigning for puppy farms to be outlawed in NSW.
RSPCA inspectors again attended the property on Friday after photos emerged of puppies being kept in what appear to be squalid conditions.
RSPCA chief inspector David O’Shannessy said while Ms Frazer had not complied with the code of practice – which sets the minimum standards for breeding facilities – there were no breaches under animal cruelty laws.
“We have been back to that property on a number of occasions to ensure the welfare of the dogs,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
“There are no immediate concerns for the welfare of the animals.
“There were issues of non-compliance and they are part of an ongoing investigation.”