Almost 80 dogs seized following RSPCA raids of four alleged puppy farms in Southeast Queensland

RSPCA inspectors claim to have discovered numerous alleged puppy farms involved in a large-scale breeding operation. SEE THE VIDEO

HUNDREDS of dogs and puppies have been found following simultaneous raids at four properties west of Brisbane in what the RSPCA has described as a large-scale puppy farm operation.

In video footage released today by the RSPCA, dogs and puppies of various breeds can be seen in multiple kennels.

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The ribs can be seen on one Boston terrier named Gracie, featured in the footage and being attended to by an RSPCA employee, while some other dogs appear to have skin or eye conditions.

Daniel Young, RSPCA Chief Inspector, said out of the hundreds of canines discovered, 78 dogs and puppies were seized Tuesday during Operation Rolling Thunder, after inspectors executed warrants simultaneously at four properties in the Lockyer Valley following a number of complaints.

Gracie the Boston terrier was one of the dogs and puppies seized by RSPCA Inspectors and taken for veterinary treatment. Picture: RSPCA Queensland

One of the dogs seized in the RSPCA's puppy farm raid receives vet care. Picture: RSPCA Queensland

“The properties were all on the same road,” he said.

Mr Young said the dogs and puppies were being kept on the four properties for breeding and selling purposes.

A written statement from the RSPCA said the farms appeared to be connected.

“The occupants of the properties appear to be involved in a large scale intensive breeding operation in conjunction with one another,” the statement said.

Mr Young said residents of the different properties, including three men and a woman, were known to each other.

“They are all known to each other and we received information that they were all involved or had connections to an alleged puppy farming operation,” he said.

There were multiple breeds of dogs depicted in the video, including French bulldogs, dachshunds, golden retrievers, an English Springer Spaniel, a Japanese Spitz and more.

A scared dachshund and her puppies found at the puppy farm raid. Picture: RSPCA Queensland

Mr Young said numerous welfare concerns were identified with many of the dogs.

Some of the concerns included untreated medical conditions, and confined or inappropriate conditions without adequate socialisation, enrichment and exercise.
He said the operation was in response to a “long history of complaints” about the welfare of the dogs belonging to registered breeders.

The dogs and puppies seized were taken for veterinary assessment.

Originally published as Almost 80 dogs seized following RSPCA raids of four alleged puppy farms in Southeast Queensland