How cruel puppy farmers are profiting in the pandemic

As the demand for pet companionship soars in lockdown, dodgy dog breeders are cashing in. Now, Victorians are being warned what to watch out for.

Cruel puppy farmers are exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic, with pet owners put on notice amid a spike in complaints about dodgy breeders.

The nation’s most prominent anti-puppy farming campaign – Oscar’s Law – has issued a fresh warning for consumers as states enter longer lockdowns and people look to take on a new pet to keep company.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Oscar’s Law has received a 23 per cent increase in the number of complaints across Australia from people who have been fooled by puppy farmers.

Many have ended up with sick dogs, costing them thousands in medical bills, while also unknowingly supporting the cruel treatment of breeding dogs in filthy factory farms.

While Victoria passed historic legislation to crack down on puppy factories in 2017, it hasn’t stopped puppies being shipped in from other states – including New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia.

Oscar’s Law president Georgie Purcell said puppy farmers were using the pandemic to exploit current restrictions, which prevented visits to home or face-to-face meets that often hide the usual “warning signs”.

Ms Purcell said anyone buying a pet should insist on meeting its parents and viewing where it was raised.

Oscar's Law president Georgie Purcell and founder Debra Tranter with their dogs, who were rescued from puppy farms. Picture: Rob Leeson

“One of the biggest warning signs of a puppy farmer is refusing to meet a buyer at a home or property — but lockdowns and restrictions have allowed puppy farmers to thrive. It is suddenly more acceptable to meet at a public location to hand over a puppy, or even to send one by courier,” Ms Purcell said.

“Most Australians want to avoid puppy factories when looking for a new best friend, but too many continue to be deceived. The pandemic has resulted in a boom in business for puppy farmers. We’ve seen some start wait lists and double their prices — with some charging up to $10,000 for a crossbreed puppy.

“A breeder with a constant supply of puppies is generally one to stay away from.”

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick said the reports were “incredibly concerning”.

“What this shows is the need for national consistency in puppy farming legislation,” he said.

“Victorians should completely avoid not only buying an animal from interstate, but couriering an animal into Victoria — unless they are from a rescue group.”

Mr Meddick has called on the state government to implement an education campaign about how to avoid puppy factories.

“I would always recommend adoption as the first option. Not only will you avoid a puppy farmer – you will save a life.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Lisa Calleja said the organisation relied on information from the public to investigate rogue breeders.

“Significant investigations and successful prosecutions do eventuate as a direct result of tip offs from the public,” she said.

Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the government was “making life better” for pets by ensuring animals sold in Victoria had come from “responsible breeders”.

“If you are purchasing a dog, it’s important to ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable source. While Victoria’s commercial dog breeding laws are the toughest in the nation, breeders in other states are not held to the same standard,” Ms Thomas said.

[e-mail]