“A number of dogs were removed by inspectors,” a spokesperson from RSPCA NSW told The Leader on Thursday.

Inspectors visited the Uralla property on Wednesday after allegations of non-compliance with the Code of Practice for Breeding Cats and Dogs.

An Express journalist attempted to speak with owners of the property on Thursday morning but was asked to leave.

And it’s not the first time this puppy farm has been investigated.

RSPCA chief inspector David O’Shannessy first visited the property on February 4, 2015 “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.

A Fairfax Media journalist later inspected the Uralla “stud” finding 70 breeding bitches were among a total of 183 dogs living “in and out of makeshift cages”.

The journalist reported that some dogs were chained in the rain while others sought refuge in plastic kennels and under corrugated iron.

Around the same time, a state government puppy factory inquiry, chaired by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, was wrapping up.

The Committee received 344 submissions, a petition containing 3,000 signatures, over 2,200 emails and other correspondence and heard evidence from 42 witnesses at three public hearings held in Armidale and Sydney in 2015.

It recommended 34 changes to the industry, including licensing breeders, continuing the practice of pet shops selling cats and dogs and setting up a common database between relevant authorities to achieve better animal welfare outcomes.

A spokesperson from RSPCA NSW said investigations into Banaweera are continuing.