Pets Haven in Bayswater North raided, investigated by RSPCA for possible animal cruelty offences

Pets Haven in Bayswater North is being investigated for animal cruelty for the second time in 18 months, with harrowing photos revealing the “horrendous” conditions inside the veterinary clinic. Warning: Graphic

A troubled veterinary clinic in Melbourne’s east has once again been raided by the RSPCA, with inspectors descending on the site to rescue dying puppies from “horrendous” conditions.

Pets Haven, which operates a well-known animal shelter in Woodend and a veterinary clinic in Bayswater North, is now at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation for the second time in 18 months.

The organisation was raided seven times in February last year over fears many cats and dogs in its care were close to death.

RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg told the Herald Sun his team was again investigating possible animal cruelty offences after inspectors twice attended the Bayswater North clinic in late September following a tip-off.

“The RSPCA … secured the surrender of five sick puppies, who were transported to RSPCA Victoria’s facility at Burwood East,” he said.

“RSPCA’s Inspectorate is continuing to investigate any possible offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”

A sick puppy was trapped in a cage with its own blood. Pictures: Supplied

A malnourished puppy was kept in a small cage before it is believed to have died. Picture: Supplied

The Herald Sun understands no charges were laid by the RSPCA following last year’s investigation, but warnings were issued.

The animal shelter boasts more than 1 million likes on its Facebook page, where it posts photos daily of the pets up for adoption.

But harrowing photos obtained by the Herald Sun, some too graphic to publish, depict dog and cat cages at the veterinary clinic filled with faeces, urine and blood.

Several of the images, taken within the months prior to the raid, also show starving dogs being left without food or water.

One particular photo shows a distressed and malnourished puppy in a small cage, who is believed to have later died.

Other disturbing images show cats and kittens with severe eye infections.

Infectious animals are not always treated in a timely manner. Pictures: Supplied

There are no vets at the clinic on Friday, Saturday afternoon, Sunday and after hours. Picture: Supplied

A spokesperson for Pets Haven said the organisation “fully complied” with the RSPCA which demonstrated its “commitment to transparency and animal welfare”.

“We take our responsibilities seriously and are dedicated to transparency, collaboration and the highest animal welfare standards,” they said.

“We have invested significant funds into the Pets Haven facilities for the benefit of the animals and to foster best possible health outcomes.

“We welcome any regulatory body to inspect our facilities and operations at any time to ensure compliance and transparency.”

But a source close to the investigation told the Herald Sun the “horrendous” conditions the animals were forced to endure at the clinic were leaving young employees “scarred”.

“There were 10 puppies with parvovirus and (management) refused to take them to another vet because it would cost too much,” the source said.

“It’s horrendous. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Someone’s got to do something.”

The Herald Sun understands the clinic is often understaffed and overrun with animals, which makes it difficult – if not impossible – for the employees to appropriately care for them.

Medical treatment has at times also been denied to seriously sick animals or delayed, with no vets on site on Friday, Saturday afternoon, Sunday and after hours.

A cat at the Bayswater North clinic is photographed in amongst electrical wires. Picture: Supplied

The spokesperson for Pets Haven claimed the five surrendered puppies arrived at its clinic in a “severely ailing state”.

“It is an unfortunate aspect of rehoming companion animals at Pets Haven that sometimes animals are received that have previously been injured, abused or neglected,” the spokesperson said.

However, the Herald Sun understands there was no vet on site to tend to the dying puppies when they arrived, which led to their seizure by inspectors.

While efforts were made to improve conditions after the RSPCA’s investigation in February 2022, another source said animal welfare at the facility went “downhill” from July that year.

Pets Haven changed hands in October 2021, with a former staff member saying the new owners “saw every animal that walked through their doors as dollar signs”.

The facility is understaffed and overrun with animals. Pictures: Supplied

Maroondah City Council Mayor Rob Steane confirmed a council local laws officer also visited the Bayswater North site in September with inspectors.

“As this is an active investigation, the council is unable to comment any further at this stage,” he said.

Local councils are responsible for assessing whether a business has breached the rules for managing animals.

The veterinary clinic is equipped to care for 50 animals but was found by inspectors last year with close to 200, its offices and corridors crammed with cages full of kittens and puppies.

More than half of the animals were believed to be infected with deadly diseases which appeared to be going untreated, while some were found already lifeless.

Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of an animal is encouraged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate here or by calling 9224 2222.