A WOMAN who runs a factory puppy farm on the Northern Tablelands has denied her dogs are mistreated or housed in appalling conditions.
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The denial comes after a weekend media report from Fairfax Media that showed filthy and disturbing images purportedly from the puppy farm at Wandsworth, north west of Guyra and about 60km north of Armidale.
Debra Tranter, the founder of animal rights group Oscar’s Law, provided the evidence to the RSPCA and Fairfax Media, describing the conditions as “inhumane and abhorrent”.
The latest allegations come just 10 months after breeder Jennifer Frazer was charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and four charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment last year and the surrendered of 27 dogs.
Ms Frazer said last year’s fine of $11,500 was for “keeping too many older dogs” that she said “were about to be euthanased” two days after the inspection.
The RSPCA inspected her Loxton Rd property again on Friday with no action taken.
Yesterday Ms Frazer would not comment on how many dogs she had, saying it was nobody’s business.
“A random complaint went in that I had dead dogs lying around. They would be hard-pressed to find any dead dogs here,” Ms Frazer said.
“Someone has been on the premises taking photos, but the cages, they’re cleaned out everyday. As far as the RSPCA are concerned, they’ve done another inspection and they’re happy with the progress we’re making.”
She said she had bred for 35 years and now bred “poodles and poodle-cross things ... except for half-a-dozen of the larger ones”.
Ms Frazer last year was the first time she had, had any issues.
“This is a false allegation,” she said.
Animal activist accuses breeder in
By Sydney Morning Herald, Armidale Express and Rebecca Belt, Northern Daily Leader
A WOMAN who was fined last year for animal cruelty matters has been allowed to continue running a puppy farm near Armidale after photographs of what appears to be evidence of dire conditions.
More than 100 dogs were left at the puppy farm on Loxton Rd, Wandsworth on Friday after RSPCA inspectors visited.
The decision has outraged animal activists.
Debra Tranter, the founder of animal rights group Oscar’s Law, which provided the evidence to the RSPCA and Fairfax Media, described the conditions as “inhumane and abhorrent”.
RSPCA chief inspector David O’Shannessy said while the owner had not complied with the code of practice – which sets the minimum standards for breeding facilities – there were no breaches under animal cruelty laws.
“There are no immediate concerns for their welfare,” he said.
Mr O’Shannessy said the investigation was ongoing.
Fairfax Media understands that the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, has requested a copy of the RSPCA’s findings.
Ms Tranter said her videos show a visit to the property in August when she found a group of puppies huddled in a bread crate with no bedding in temperatures of 1 degree Celsius.
She said another video of a visit in October shows a dead dog found on the property.
The owner of the puppy farm has been known to authorities for more than a year.
In December the RSPCA raided the property and prosecuted the breeder, Jennifer Frazer.
Ms Frazer was charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and four charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment.
She was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond, fined $11,500 and agreed to surrender 27 dogs and said that was “all sorted”.
At that time, The Armidale Express reported a golden retriever, a German shepherd and a terrier crossbreed had to be put down on the day and Ms Frazer had about 70 breeding pairs of dogs at the property.
The vet report used in the RSPCA’s case against Ms Frazer last year, obtained by Fairfax Media, documented the condition of a number of animals who had to be put down.
The vet who attended the site reported a “barely conscious” female terrier being attacked and dragged around by a pack of dogs.
“She had an abdominal wound from which her intestines had eviscerated. She had multiple puncture wounds over her body and bruising around her eyes,” the vet reported.
“Her jaw was clamped shut and she had a trickle of fresh blood from her nose.,”
Oscar’s Law had raised concerns with authorities since February.
Ms Tranter complained again last week after the group’s investigation found more than 100 dogs living in “atrocious conditions at the property.”
She said at least a further 10 dogs required immediate veterinary care.
“I don’t know what these dogs have to go through to get help. It makes me sick,” she said.
“No dogs should be left on that property. They’re still dying, they’re still in pain, they’re still (living) in inadequate conditions that don’t comply with the code of practice,” she said.
“The RSPCA had enough evidence for a full seizure and closure of that property, but they chose to walk away and leave the dogs.”
A spokeswoman for the Department of Primary Industries said that the RSPCA is the highest authority in the state when it comes to investigating accusations of animal cruelty.
“It is the RSPCA’s reason for existing. They are compelled to act upon complaints,” she said.
“If there is a complaint against the RSPCA, the next step is the minister.”
Ian Hughes, an inspector for the Animal Welfare League, called on the NSW government to create legislation that would require regular inspection and a licensing system.
“At the moment you can buy yourself 100 dogs and get yourself going as a dog breeder tomorrow,” he said.
Ms Hodgkinson said the NSW government had an in principle support for a breeder licensing scheme.
To view the video and more photos, visit www.smh.com.au/environent/animals/inhumane-and-abhorrent-activist-slams-troubled-puppy-farm-20141025-11ayum.html