NSW creates puppy taskforce to crack down on illegal dog farms

The horror conditions of puppy factories operating in regional NSW have been revealed by authorities who will now do something new to stop them.

Eight-week-old rescue puppies Charlie and Ivan were found in a suitcase. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Thousands of puppies are born into misery and sold by criminals across NSW each year.

To respond to the growing problem, the state government has formed a new puppy rescue hit squad that aims to wage war on illegal dog farms and punish dodgy breeders.

Adam Marshall, Minister for Agriculture, announced the new task force on Thursday, which will function within the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“Their sole purpose will be scouring NSW, weeding out illegal puppy factory operators, raiding them, punishing them, and throwing the full force of the NSW law against them,” Mr Marshall said.

Sales of puppies brought up in dreadful circumstances is a growing problem, with “thousands” sold each year, according to RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman

“These are generally remote locations around regional NSW. Makeshift sheds and igloos, that house up to a hundred breeding bitches,” he said.

Charlie, an 8 week old rescue puppy. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

“They’re in garages, in sheds. If they’re lucky enough to have a bed to sleep on, it might be a ratty old timber crate. They’re generally overcrowded, they smell, they’re noisy. They’re a highly stressful environment for the animals.”

The new Puppy Factory Taskforce will include intelligence officers combing through online marketplaces and social media sites, and when raids occur they will be supported by the NSW police force.

Mr Marshall and Mr Coleman were joined at a press conference at NSW parliament by Ivan and Charlie, two lively puppies who were discovered in an abandoned suitcase in Sydney’s Glebe neighbourhood a few weeks ago and handed into RSPCA.

Minister Marshall called illegal breeders “an absolute scourge on society” and had a message for the “grubs” who continue to flout the law:

“Pack up, go home, leave NSW. If you stay, and you continue to exploit animals for profit, you will be caught.”

Originally published as NSW creates puppy taskforce to crack down on illegal dog farms