Almost 120 dogs seized in RSPCA raids in northern Victoria

UPDATE: THE RSPCA has issued an urgent call today for towels and blankets needed for almost 120 rescued dogs and puppies from two properties in Victoria’s north.

• Related: Puppy probe as RSPCA fears for Whittington pups

THE RSPCA has issued an urgent call today for towels and blankets needed for almost 120 rescued dogs and puppies from two properties in Victoria’s north.

The dogs had been stuck in small cages and in rancid conditions until their rescue in one of Victoria’s largest animal cruelty raids, with authorities investigating the puppy farm links to the lucrative show dog industry.

This morning RSPCA spokeswoman Natalie Filmer said the public could help.

“We’ve got a shortage of towels. These animals are disgustingly dirty, they need bedding and towels.”

People could donate towels to any RSPCA adoption centre, and they could also register interest in adopting one of the rescued animals.

Multiple tip-offs from the public led to the RSPCA Victoria’s Special Investigations Unit and police raiding two properties simultaneously in the state’s north, as part of ongoing investigations into show dog enthusiasts who are also breeders.

Animal Liberation Victoria is among those who say they tipped off the RSPCA after covertly filming dogs in overcrowded cages at one of the properties in 2010.

Chihuahuas, Chinese Crested and Spaniels were among the 119 dogs and six cats seized or surrendered in Tuesday’s raids at Longwood following “immediate and serious” concerns by RSPCA vets for their welfare.

Four deceased dogs were also removed from one of the properties.

A dog found at one of the Longwood properties. Picture: RSPCA

A dog found at one of the Longwood properties. Picture: RSPCA

Some animals were found living in faeces and urine covered cages outside, or in pens inside the house.

Inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert said this had been one of the “more complex and larger operations” in the RSPCA’s history, which was aimed at unravelling the complicated sales tactics and networks employed by breeders.

“One of the things we’re looking at is the sales channels that occur and how these breeders link up to ultimately sell their product,” Ms Jalbert said. “We’re investigating what we believe is a very complex network of dog breeders that sell through pet shops, some sell through the internet and others on roadsides through Gumtree ads.

“The message we want to get out there is where there are breeders operating illegally, and to the detriment to the welfare of animals, we want to ensure they are held to account.”

It is understood that one of the property owners raided is a registered dog breeder who sells dogs online, and had previously been issued with a 12-month ban from showing dogs by the state’s peak body after complaints into animal welfare and sales.~

Dogs, cats and birds remain at the properties, and owners issued with 13 Notices to Comply in relation to their care.

Ms Jalbert said further veterinarian assessments of the dogs’ physical and mental health would provide the evidence to determine if animal cruelty charges would be laid.

Animal Liberation Victoria founder and vice president Patty Mark said volunteers had been shocked at what they saw at the property in 2010.

They bought two dogs and were given dog which was “dying”, but vets managed to save.

She was critical of the RSPCA’s response saying it had taken too long to act.

“It might be a problem with their inspection powers but it’s been years and years and years. Something has to change. Animal welfare must come first,” Ms Mark said.

Victoria is introducing new laws to combat “puppy farms” by banning breeders from having more than 10 female dogs

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