Bathurst Council approves Kellyville Pets puppy farm
A 60-dog breeding facility that will provide puppies for Kellyville Pets has been approved by Bathurst Council this week — despite protests by the Animal Liberation group and the Animal Justice Party.
Hills Shire
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A 60-dog breeding facility that will provide puppies for Kellyville Pets has been approved by Bathurst Council this week — despite protests by the Animal Liberation group and the Animal Justice Party.
The approved facility, known as Rockley Valley Park, will provide Kellyville Pets with cavoodles and other small poodle and spaniel crosses — which lead to widespread outrage by animal rights groups across the country.
“We were very disappointed, I don’t believe the development was assessed thoroughly enough,” Mr Ryan told the Times. “Council folded like a deck of cards.
“Issues were not given the respect that they are entitled to and we will now consider our next steps with our campaign to have these commercial facilities outlawed.”
Ms Ryan said she would make objections to Planning Minister Anthony Roberts and Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton.
“The Animal Justice Party, through Mark Pearson, will also be introducing a puppy factory bill to the State Government.
“We will continue to hold representatives and puppy farmers to account.”
Kellyville Pets owner John Grima welcomed the decision by Bathurst Council — vowing to “continue to fight for greater transparency and regulation of animal welfare”.
“The demand for happy and healthy puppies continues to grow, and we believe the best way to help more people experience the joys of having a pet is a combination of rehoming and breeding,” Mr Grima said.
“Last night’s approval means that is what we will continue to do, while raising the standard of animal welfare in breeding and helping to force the rogue operators breeding and selling puppies with no regulation out of the industry.
“We are going to continue to run welfare rescue events, as well as educate other breeders about their responsibilities. We have rehomed more than 350 cats and dogs and expect to continue to grow this over the coming years.”
Mr Grima said he had already approach animal activists to work together to tackle puppy farms, and will continue to push for reforms and greater enforcement of the NSW Government legislation that governs animal welfare, a claim Animal Justice Party spokeswoman Lisa Ryan rejects.
Rockley Valley Park will feature large yards, under slab heating, socialisation areas, grooming room, an air-conditioned whelping house and all day staff.