RSPCA says rescued Labradoodles had myriad of health issues including anxiety
The rescue of 239 Labradoodles from a puppy farm saw an outpouring of support with people donating thousands of dollars. Read the RSPCA’s update on how they are faring.
Tasmania
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Some of the 239 Labradoodles rescued from a dog breeder continue to struggle with anxiety, others have dental and stomach issues and one is in palliative care with a serious heart condition, the RSPCA says.
RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins said most of the dogs rescued from a puppy farm near Launceston last year were “generally happy” but there had been health issues including anxiety.
She provided an update on social media and detailed where the $343,000 raised had been spent “after a flurry of activity that shut down our website” including providing $1000 per dog to each rescue organisation.
“When we drove up that first time to the site as the rescue team, the sound was absolutely deafening,” Ms Dawkins said.
“It was the sound of dogs, desperate for attention, which first assailed our senses. There were too many animals to be properly socialised or given the love and attention they craved.
“Some are still anxious and a few are wary of their people.
“There are sometimes other dogs in the home that they’re getting their comfort from because they’re obviously used to being around other dogs.
“I just want to acknowledge to the people in those labradoodle rescue groups who are doing it a little bit tough with barking that they’re definitely not alone.”
Ms Dawkins said five of the 157 dogs that were cared for by the RSPCA were euthanised due to serious health issues and one is in palliative care with a serious heart condition with the RSPCA paying all the dog’s vet bills.
She said another dog with a luxating patella needed surgery which would cost “many thousands of dollars, which we will cover”.
“We have seen a myriad of issues ranging from low grade dental through to serious stomach issues and of course knee and hip complaints.
“But it is the anxiety which is deep in some but enough dogs are affected and affected deeply that for those dogs and the people who love them, remains the most significant issue.”
Ms Dawkins said for many adoptive families “the struggle to help the dogs feel calm and safe was a daily task”.
“We know that the compassion these families express will be having an affect but we also understand how challenging this is for many,” she said.
Ms Dawkins said the RSPCA had spent $269,000 on direct costs, including the $1000 per dog, which did not include staff or other indirect costs.
Originally published as RSPCA says rescued Labradoodles had myriad of health issues including anxiety
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