Colin Ross fined for having a ‘complete lack of attention’ with running overcrowded puppy farm

A “successful” breeder has been fined for allowing dog numbers to explode to 300 at his “inadequate” puppy farm.

A Southern Mallee man has been fined more than $8000 for keeping about 300 dogs at his “inadequate” puppy farm which was an “affront to community expectations”.

Colin Ross, 62, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday charged with six counts of failing to comply with the direction of an animal welfare notice in July 2019 at his Parrakie property, and ill-treating 10 border collies.

Colin Ross was fined more than $8000. Picture: Ben Cameron.

The court heard Ross, who pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing, had been a successful dog breeder for many years in Victoria and they were “a significant part of your life”.

However, magistrate John Fahey said the farm was only approved for 100 dogs but the number had “exploded”.

He said two RSPCA inspections in July 2018 revealed “unsatisfactory conditions” due to a lack of shelter, availability of water and general uncleanliness.

Ross was issued with several expiation notices – and paid close to $10,000 in fines during the course of his offending – and was told to reduce the number of dogs.

However, an August inspection found there had been “little change” at the property but he was given an extension to comply with the code of practice.

However, an October inspection found 300 dogs on the site, following “several reports of cruelty to animals”.

“Many of the dogs did not have sufficient shelter, or an opportunity for exercise or social interaction,” Mr Fahey said.

“You were not aware the number of dogs had exploded beyond 100.

“The overcrowding was extreme and suggests to me a complete lack of attention in supervising the conduct of the premises.”

Colin Ross leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Ben Cameron.

He also said 10 dogs were found to be exhibiting “severe behavioural problems”, including stress, fear and aggression.

They were removed and eight were euthanised.

Jillian Smith, for the RSPCA, said Ross had failed to comply with breeding standards and there were “simply too many dogs for the defendant and his partner to cope with”.

Ms Smith said the seized dogs were not in any physical harm but were “not exhibiting the usual behaviour of a domestic dog”.

She said the farm was run for a “significant profit”, with those 10 dogs, and their 36 puppies, worth more than $74,000.

She said the defendant had been put on notice before the seizure and his actions were an “affront to community expectations”.

There were too many dogs in the kennels,” she said.

Michael Lloyd said his client had admitted his offending and that the conditions were “inadequate”. “He accepts responsibility there were too many dogs,” Mr Lloyd said.

Ross was fined a total of $8050 and received a conviction for each charge.