Authorities swoop on suspected illegal dog breeding ring in Macedon Ranges

Dozens of puppies and dogs – including golden retrievers, labradors and corgis – have been removed from “horrible” conditions at a Macedon Ranges property.

Almost 30 dogs and puppies were seized from a Macedon Ranges Shire property as part of a major investigation into alleged illegal dog breeding. Picture: RSPCA

Dozens of puppies and dogs have been rescued from a Macedon Ranges property as part of a major ongoing investigation into illegal dog breeding across the state.

In response to a tip-off, RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team executed a warrant and seized 29 dogs and puppies from the property, located in Macedon Ranges Shire, on Monday.

Labradors, golden retrievers, corgis, poodles, poodle crosses and schnauzers were among the breeds seized due to welfare concerns.

The RSPCA raided a Macedon Ranges property as part of a major investigation.

The warrant was executed due to serious animal welfare concerns and was part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged illegal puppy breeding operation.

RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team Senior Inspector Shannon Walsh said the animals seized on Monday were found in unsanitary and unsafe conditions.

“The animals were housed on the property in cramped and unsanitary conditions.

“Some animals also had no access to water and had limited shelter from the elements,” she told Leader.

Ms Walsh said the dogs’ physical and behavioural conditions were being assessed as they remained in care.

It is suspected the Macedon Ranges operation may be connected with two others resulting in similar raids in other areas.

“Over the course of this major ongoing investigation a total of 51 dogs and puppies have been seized,” Ms Walsh added.

“This complex investigation has been spread across multiple municipalities and work continues.”

Charges have not yet been laid while investigations are ongoing.

The RSPCA said more than 100 dogs had been seized or surrendered to its Burwood East shelter in the last two weeks, with more expected over the coming weeks.

Dozens of dogs and puppies were seized from a Macedon Ranges Shire property.

The animals were taken to a shelter to be checked over.

Oscar’s Law founder Debra Tranter said there was a lack of public awareness about puppy farms in Australia.

“There’s still a lot of people who don’t know we’re factory farming dogs in this country. “Puppy farmers are very manipulative and sneaky; they’re very good at PR and hiding what they do to the public. This is a million-dollar industry,” she said.

Ms Tanter said puppy factories were “incredibly cruel” and left puppies and dogs with a lifetime of trauma.

“Puppy farmed dogs live a life of deprivation. Puppy factories will deprive a dog of all of its basic needs —social needs, emotional needs and environmental enrichment. The puppies are caged their entire lives to breed puppies for the pet industry.”

Ms Tanter added that “national consistency” was required to completely crack down on illegal breeding.

“Victoria has robust laws. But we know that New South Wales and Queensland lacks laws and puppy farmers that are convicted of cruelty in Victoria can simply relocate over the border,” she said.

“Those puppy farmers found guilty of cruelty can shut down in one state, but the next day they can continue their business over the border.”

In Victoria, dogs and cats must be sold from a registered domestic animal business, a private residence, or a place where an animal sale permit is in place. It is an offence under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to sell animals in public places such as parks, roadsides, and car parks in Victoria.

People who breach this act can be fined upwards of $30,000.

Anyone with concerns for the welfare of an animal is encouraged to contact RSPCA Victoria on 9224 2222 or submit a report online immediately.