RSPCA investigating conditions at an Acton dog kennel
*WARNING: Disturbing content* A whistleblower has revealed the unhygienic conditions animals were being kept in on a dog kennel on Hobart’s Eastern Shore. INVESTIGATION + PHOTOS >>
Tasmania
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AN RSPCA investigation is underway into conditions at an Eastern Shore dog kennel.
A former staff member of Acton dog kennel, Shelomith, claimed the property had a “lack of maintenance, general safety and hygiene”.
Photos obtained by the Mercury show rooms with faeces, cracked flooring, mould and holes in walls and doors.
The ex-staff member said the pictures, some which date back to last year, were taken across several months of their employment.
The former employee said their experience working at the kennel had a negative impact on their mental health.
RSPCA chief executive officer Jan Davis said the RSPCA was looking into the claims of sub-par conditions at the kennel.
“An active investigation is underway,” she said.
“As in this instance, if someone makes a formal complaint through the animal welfare hotline, and provides information that is sufficient for investigators, we will look into it.”
Shelomith has previously received improvement notices from the state’s workplace health and safety regulator over conditions there.
“WorkSafe Tasmania has responded to a complaint about unsafe working conditions at Shelomith in Acton Park,” a Justice Department spokesman said yesterday.
“Two improvement notices were issued. There have been no infringement notices issued. “WorkSafe Tasmania continues to work with the operator of the business to achieve compliance.”
Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said the Council received a complaint about Shelomith in September and said the kennel was investigated by a Clarence Ranger and an environmental officer.
“The council required the owners of the kennel to undergo remedial works, in relation to waste disposal, within 28 days” Ald Chipman said.
He said a recent follow-up visit to the site found the works had been completed, adding further unannounced inspections have been planned for the site this year.
“It should be noted council is responsible for issuing the licensing of kennels, and can operate under the Dog Control Act only,” said Ald Chipman,” Ald Chipman said.
“Council has no power to act on complaints of animal cruelty which can only be dealt with by the RSPCA and Tasmania police under the Animal Welfare Act.”
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokeswoman said Biosecurity Tasmania was aware the RSPCA is investigating a complaint “so it would be inappropriate to comment further”.
Labor member for Franklin David O’Byrne said the kennel’s conditions were raised with his office and said the situation needed investigating.
“Any issues that are raised around care for dogs and other animals needs to be investigated,” he said.
“Animals need to be treated well and in good environments. Any legit questions need investigating.”
Shelomith declined the Mercury’s request for comment.
The company’s website states “we try very hard to ensure all our guests enjoy their stay”.
Originally published as RSPCA investigating conditions at an Acton dog kennel