Multiple arson attacks on Macarthur Pets DA site for planned breeding facility

Police are investigating multiple firebombing attacks at the site of a controversial dog breeding facility in Sydney’s southwest, labelled a “puppy farm” by animal activists.

Barkers Lodge Rd, Oakdale dog breeding facility building burnt down. Picture: Rural Fire Service NSW

The site of a controversial proposal for a new dog breeding facility in Sydney’s southwest – dubbed a “puppy farm” by animal activists – has been firebombed twice in a matter of weeks.

Authorities found a single-storey weatherboard cottage fully engulfed in flames, at 1775 Barkers Lodge Rd, Oakdale around 11:22pm Monday night.

Twenty firefighters were on-site to combat the blaze before finally putting the fire out around 1am, after receiving a call from a concerned neighbour.

Barkers Lodge Rd, Oakdale dog breeding facility building burnt down. Picture: Rural Fire Service NSW

Police said this is the second blaze taking place at this same address, the first taking place Tuesday March 19.

Police told the Daily Telegraph they consider the incidents to be linked to the alleged firebombing of a Macarthur Pets van in Gregory Hills less than a month ago.

When asked if the attacks could be linked to animal rights activists, a police spokesman said they “won’t be ruling anyone in or out at this stage.”

Barkers Lodge Rd, Oakdale dog breeding facility building burnt down. Picture: Rural Fire Service NSW

Barkers Lodge Rd, Oakdale dog breeding facility building burnt down. Picture: Rural Fire Service NSW

The van displaying Macarthur Pets signage was seen torched on CCTV, while it was parked behind the pet store in Gregory Hills overnight.

The cottage owned by Macarthur Pets was vacant at the time of the blaze, and no injuries have been reported.

A spokeswoman for Macarthur Pets told The Daily Telegraph “they did a pretty good job destroying the place (through an alleged act of vandalism) last time, so no one was able to stay there.”

A DA application for a “50-dog breeding facility” was submitted by managing director of Macarthur Pets, Fred Deveny, to Wollondilly Council in February.

Animal Justice Party MLC Emma Hurst has previously described the plans put forth for the breeding facility as a “purpose-built puppy farm.”

Ms Hurst also said pet shops “often operate as smokescreens for puppy farms”.

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst pictured with Mia the pug in the Domain. Picture: Toby Zerna

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said council received upwards of 1300 submissions against the development since it was opened to the public.

He has since decided to make representations on behalf of the council to the Local Planning panel in accordance with the “community feedback” they have received.

Barkers Lodge Rd, Oakdale dog breeding facility building burnt down. Picture: Rural Fire Service NSW

A spokeswoman for Macarthur Pets said they feel as though the council “has picked their side” and wasn’t aware of any attempts to make Mr Deveny aware of the situation to make his case.

Mr Deveny previously said the timing of the attacks alongside harassment from “animal rights activists” has made him “wonder if it’s related” and if “someone is taking things way too far.”

Fred Deveny, Macarthur Pets Managing Director. Picture: Macarthur Pets

Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, Lisa Ryan told The Daily Telegraph these “unsubstantiated claims” highlight’s Mr Deveney’s “clear lack of understanding about those who advocate for compassion for animals… the bulk of whom are peaceful caring individuals.”

“Given as we understand it, the property may have been vandalised in the past, we would suggest Mr Deveney should allow the Police to do their job without feeling the need to make public speculative comments,” she said.