A URALLA puppy farm at the centre of a metropolitan Fairfax Media investigation at the weekend is due to be inspected by RSPCA officers again in coming weeks, but no cases of cruelty have been found.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This comes as the state Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Companion Animal Breeding Practices in NSW prepares to hold a public hearing day in Armidale on July 14.
RSPCA chief inspector David O’Shannessy said they first attended Banaweera on February 4 this year “to conduct an inspection to assess compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding Dogs and Cats”.
They found about 200 dogs at this time, including miniature poodles, toy poodles, foxies, jugs, pugs, chihuahuas, shih tzus, labradors, kelpies, border collies, staffies and multiple cross-breeds.
During the inspectors’ attendance there, owner Ann Press was encouraged to reduce the number of dogs on the property, and she surrendered 29 dogs and one puppy to the RSPCA.
“Whilst the RSPCA has concerns with the ability of any person to provide adequate care and socialisation to even the remaining number of dogs, there is presently no limit on the number of dogs that breeders can have in their possession,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
“Despite the concerns as to numbers, there were no breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act detected at this time. However, there were a number of areas of non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding Dogs and Cats which were the subject of verbal directions.”
The RSPCA returned to Banaweera on February 18 to issue written directions for non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding Dogs and Cats.
They returned once more on April 23 to ensure compliance with the directions and found the level of compliance “had improved markedly”.
Mr O’Shannessy said there was evidence that new kennels and runs were under construction, but Ms Press was encouraged to further reduce the number of dogs on the property and she surrendered a further 15 dogs.
The surrendered dogs have gone to rescue groups for care.
Ms Press is now under investigation for possible offences relating to selling sick or unwell puppies, and a further inspection of the property is scheduled to be conducted in the coming weeks.
