Four border collies rescued from Lameroo destroyed because of irreversible mental trauma

Four of 10 border collies seized from a Murray Mallee puppy farm — the subject of a social media campaign to save their lives — have been euthanised by the RSPCA.

Four border collies seized from a Murray Mallee puppy farm have been euthanised because their mental trauma could not be reversed, the RSPCA says.

The animal welfare organisation said the “heartbreaking decision” was made after a second independent veterinary animal behaviour specialist recommended the dogs be destroyed as soon as possible.

A border collie and two puppies believed to be the same dogs rescued from the Lameroo breeding facility. Picture: Mark Aldridge

“Everyone would have wished for these dogs to have lived full lives free of anxiety and stress,” a RSPCA statement said.

“But very sadly, these four dogs have now been euthanased on the basis of compelling expert consensus that this was the best course of action to relieve the suffering of these animals.

“This was a heartbreaking decision for RSPCA staff who have cared for them over the past five months.”

The RSPCA rescued 10 border collies — heavily pregnant dogs and five puppies — from a Lameroo property in October.

Breeders Colin Ross and Kerrie Fitzpatrick were charged with 17 offences including ill treatment of an animal causing harm.

The RSPCA said it would continue work to rehabilitate the remaining six dogs.

“At an appropriate time, highly regulated foster care with RSPCA’s most skilled dog foster carers will be considered for these border collies,” the statement said.

Details of the seizures were revealed in the Supreme Court on Friday when Justice Sam Doyle rejected Mr Ross’s appeal against a magistrate’s order granting legal ownership of the dogs to the RSPCA.

The court heard that inspections of Mr Ross’s property had identified more than 300 dogs despite the breeder only having a licence to house 100.

Nearly 50,000 people signed an online petition urging the RSPCA to release the animals to WA-based WISH Animal Rescue.