Tasmanian Labradoodles, co-owners Paul and Elizabeth Bartlett, each charged with 70 counts of overbreeding dogs
The husband-and-wife duo behind one of Tasmania’s largest dog breeding companies have released a statement following revelations they have been charged with 70 overbreeding breaches.
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The husband-and-wife duo behind a prolific Tasmanian dog breeding company charged with 70 counts of overbreeding the bitches in their care have said via their lawyer there are no “cruelty” allegations against them, merely a dispute over canine breeding cycles.
Epping Forest pair Elizabeth Anne Bartlett, 66, and Paul Alan Bartlett, 65, and their company Tasmanian Labradoodles Pty Ltd, which is operated from an address on the Midlands Hwy, appeared in Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday.
Each is charged with 70 counts of breaching section 19 of the Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2016.
The section holds that a person “with care or charge of a bitch must ensure that the bitch does not have more than (two) litters in any 18-month period”.
Defence lawyer Grant Tucker requested a first-appearance adjournment without plea to August 15, a request granted by Magistrate Ken Stanton.
No facts of the alleged offending were read onto the public record at this early stage of proceedings.
Speaking via Mr Tucker, their lawyer, after their court appearance, the Bartletts said there had been no allegations of “cruelty” against them or their business.
“There is no charge of cruelty or mismanagement of our labradoodles,” she said.
“The charges are all about breeding on every cycle.
“We have been breeding labradoodles for 20 years and have been feeding our dogs a 100 per cent raw diet, which meets their nutritional needs. This way, we can mate them on every cycle.”
The Mercury understands that Tasmanian Labradoodles is one of Tasmania’s largest, if not the largest, dog breeders and its website states their puppies can be flown across Australia and internationally including the United States, Japan and Germany.
It’s understood they have the care of approximately 200 animals and that their puppies can retail for $6000 –$7000 each.
According to the federal government’s Australian Business Register, the trading name Tasmanian Labradoodles was registered by Mrs Bartlett on July 1, 2010.
According to corporate regulator ASIC, their company, the one charged conjointly with both of them, was registered in August 2012.
“Tasmanian Labradoodles are experienced, dedicated breeders of the highest quality, non shedding, allergy friendly, multi generation labradoodles,” the company’s website says.
“We breed the highest quality, non-shedding, allergy friendly labradoodles, with a gentle and loving nature that blend well into any family.”
Its website is currently advertising a 50 per cent off deal for “all wool coat puppies over six months of age”.
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Originally published as Tasmanian Labradoodles, co-owners Paul and Elizabeth Bartlett, each charged with 70 counts of overbreeding dogs
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