The sudden collapse of a Tasmanian puppy farm has led to an urgent call to find new homes for hundreds of labradoodles
More than 250 labradoodles are in urgent need of adoption after one of Tasmania’s largest dog breeding farms closed following court action – a move that will cost the RSPCA around $300,000.
The RSPCA laid 70 charges of overbreeding against Tasmanian Labradoodles owner Elizabeth Anne Bartlett and her husband Paul nearly 18 months ago.
The charges relate to overbreeding between April 2021 and February 2023.
Tasmanian Labradoodles has been operating on a 36-hectare property in Epping Forest, south of Launceston, for more than a decade.
The RSPCA said it reached an out-of-court settlement with the company last Friday, which includes the immediate and permanent closure of the premises and the surrender of all of its dogs.
Although the breeder has deleted its social media pages, its main website remains active, announcing that it is offering a ‘Retirement Discount, half price for all puppies over six months old’.
Its website also says the ‘family business’ is ‘dedicated to breeding the highest quality labradoodles, over many generations’.
As a result of the out-of-court settlement, the charges against Tasmanian Labradoodles will not continue.
RSPCA chief executive Andrea Dawkins said the fight to close the breeding facility had lasted three years and there were many bills involved in caring for the dogs.
‘We have finally succeeded. This is unprecedented, costly and the RSPCA needs your urgent help,’ she said.
‘The RSPCA needs urgent financial support to provide veterinary care, foster homes and eventually adoptions for the more than 250 labradoodles currently here.’
Ms Dawkins said it cost at least $1,000 per dog as they needed vet checks, vaccinations, behavioural support, food and temporary homes.
Some dogs may also have serious medical conditions that require further treatment.
‘We are asking Tasmanians to open their homes and hearts to these beautiful animals who deserve a second chance at a loving life,’ Ms Dawkins said.
‘This is an urgent appeal to anyone who can donate to the RSPCA to help us care for hundreds of labradoodles. No matter how small the donation, every dollar counts.’
The RSPCA is aiming to raise $300,000 to cover medical and foster care costs.
People can donate via the RSPCA Tasmania website .
Although many of the dogs have never had human contact, Ms Dawkins said ‘Despite their difficult beginnings, they have an undying love for people.
‘They are friendly and loving, with a gentle temperament that makes them the perfect family pet.’
The association is calling on the state government to reform the laws around puppy breeding.
Ms Dawkins said: ‘The reality is that the law has failed us… the current law does nothing to stop this from happening and there are no sanctions when it does happen.’
‘Under current laws, Tasmanian Labradoodle owners can be fined a maximum of just $273,000, which is just the cost of doing business for a puppy farm with an estimated turnover of around $2 million (per year)’.
She said the law must change. ‘We cannot let this happen again.
‘Tasmania needs to have laws that prohibit puppy farms and we need to establish mandatory standards, regulations and processes for breeding.’
