Illegal breeding probe sparked after sick puppy euthanased at Frankston
Photos advertising skinny, sick-looking pups for at least $800 each, seen by hundreds of concerned dog lovers, have prompted an investigation by the RSPCA and Frankston Council.
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Complaints by dog lovers, concerned about a seemingly sick litter of pups from an alleged unregistered breeder, have sparked an investigation by authorities.
A two-month-old puppy is already reported dead and pet lovers hold grave fears for seven more believed to have been born in backyard breeding at Frankston.
The RSPCA and Frankston City Council launched an investigation following reports from concerned pet owners who raised the alarm after they saw an advertisement from Frankston woman “Jessica Knox” for a litter of purebred red nosed pitbulls on social media.
Photos of the skinny, malnourished-looking puppies, who were being sold for a starting price of $800 on Facebook marketplace, quickly went viral, attracting more than 500 shares from distressed viewers.
It is understood Ms Knox — who some claimed was not a registered breeder — sold a dog to friend Alexia Jordan before it became extremely ill and had to be put down at Frankston Animal Emergency Centre on December 12.
The Leader does not suggest she is engaged in illegal breeding, only that the matters are being investigated.
According to a report from the animal hospital the male pup — who had not been named, microchipped or vaccinated — suffered from a severe case of worms, shortness of breath and was underfed.
“(The dog appears) dull and depressed (with) a pot belly … unable to feel internal organs,” the veterinary doctor’s report – posted on Facebook by someone who was in contact with Ms Knox – read.
“Require(s) further work up such as faecal analysis, x-ray, full blood tests and medication as needed.”
Ms Jordan, who posted pictures of her sick pet to her Instagram account and Facebook, was given the option to admit the dog to hospital for further testing but decided he would be euthanased.
It is believed Ms Jordan received another dog from the same litter just days after her first pup’s death.
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“(Who knows) what’s happening to those poor pups … they need to be seen and treated by a vet immediately,” one pet owner, who did not want to be named, told the Leader.
“If anyone purchased pitbull puppies from a person named Jessica … please attend a vet urgently,” another warned.
Frankston City Council confirmed they were advised of the “possible” illegal breeding case.
“Officers are investigating this matter further,” a spokeswoman said.
The RSPCA confirmed they were investigating but could not provide a comment while that was ongoing.
Both Ms Knox and Ms Jordan refused to comment.