NSW puppy scam: $1.5m worth of dogs sold under fake microchips

An investigation into online sales of dogs in NSW has uncovered at least $1.5 million worth of puppies are currently being sold online under fake microchips. WARNING: GRAPHIC PICS.

• What you get as a Daily Telegraph subscriber
• ‘I can’t live with myself:’ Aussie commando’s desperate plea

Puppies with fake microchips have been sold in an online scam that has netted at least $1.5 million, an investigation has uncovered.

In the past month, more than 100 puppy sellers were found to be still ‘breaking the rules’ for advertising animals on Gumtree.

At least 36 known public listings currently live and use fake microchip numbers in the ads, with at least 422 puppies currently being advertised online with fake documentation.

Since July last year, the state government introduced laws which meant every individual or organisation looking to sell or rehome a cat or dog is legally obliged to list an ‘approved identification number’ in the advertisement.

These are the shocking conditions some of the dogs are living in at puppy farms before they’re sold.

But with puppy farmers turning to social media to sell dogs at inflated prices, Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst said the responsibility shouldn’t fall on the general public to “stamp out” the practice.

“As long as puppy farming remains legal in NSW this is a system that will continue to be easily exploited, harming dogs and members of the public alike,” she said.

“Any person that did make the effort to do the necessary research would find themselves spending hours searching for a ‘reputable breeder’.

“The majority of identifying numbers we found online were either clearly fake or led down rabbit holes with no clear information that could help identify that the animal was coming from a loving home environment.”

Puppy farming is no small industry.

In the posts found on Gumtree, some sellers were set to make over $50,000 from a single ad, with the total cost of all the puppies being sold by these dodgy sellers coming into the millions.

“Animal protection groups have been calling for the tax office to investigate this industry for years,” Ms Hurst said.

“The amount of cash changing hands from consumers to these unregistered breeders through private online sales is a major issue.”

The puppy scam has netted millions.

Last week, Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall vowed to crack down on mass dog breeders, announcing a new RSCPA taskforce will be formed to investigate and dismantle illegal dog breeding facilities.

The team of investigators will work with the NSW Police Force Rural Crime Unit to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.

However, Ms Hurst said the government’s grant is “fruitless and a waste of taxpayer money” and warned that the weak laws will allow the intensive factory farming of dogs to continue.

“Giving the authorities money to investigate puppy farming while it is still legal simply means that while the RSPCA could find out where these facilities are operating, they won’t be able to shut most of them down,” she said.

“The government’s announcement could create confusion for anyone looking for a new companion.

“Despite the government giving the RSPCA a grant to track down puppy farms, the authorities are unlikely to be able to act to protect dogs in these factories because there are no laws to outlaw puppy farming to begin with.”

Camden resident and Dogs NSW registered pug breeder Debbie Cummings described illegal breeders using online platforms as “disgraceful”.

Registered breeders say illegal online sales are disgraceful.

MORE NEWS

Lifeline for MS sufferers: ‘Effective’ drug listed on PBS

Heavy rains come at the wrong time for farmers

Union’s ‘gouging’ puts major NSW works at risk: Builders

“It’s incredibly sad to see individuals profiteering without any thought for the health or wellbeing of these beautiful animals,” she said.

“All Dogs NSW registered breeders are bound by a strict code of ethics covering responsible dog ownership, breeder responsibilities relating to welfare, breeding and selling dogs.

“To check if your selected breeder is legal refer to Dogs NSW.”

Ms Cummings warned Aussies not to meet sellers at takeaway restaurants or parks to pick up your puppies as this is “certainly a concern”.

“When buying a puppy you should receive all relevant paperwork on vaccinations, microchipping, worming and a documented history of the breed,” she said.

“Breeders will also give you guidance on the proper care, feeding, health issues and training of your puppy.”

A spokesman for Gumtree said they have introduced a mandatory listing fee within their pets category to deter illegal operators and discourage casual animal trading.

They also encourage users to report any concerning ads that breach their policies, terms of use or those believed to be unlawful.