Donations from across Australia, NZ and USA surge to help RSPCA home 250 labradoodles

‘We cannot thank you enough’ were the words from the RSPCA chief after a rush of donations following the closure of one of Tasmania’s largest puppy farms. Here’s why >>

Diane Jessup with Oscar, a rescued labradoodle after the RSPCA shut down Tasmanian Labradoodles. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Hundreds of Labradoodles left stranded after the forced shutdown of Tasmania’s largest puppy farm will likely find new homes.

Following a lengthy legal battle, the RSPCA and Tasmanian Labradoodles - operated by husband-and-wife duo Elizabeth and Paul Bartlett - signed an out-of-court agreement.

As a result, 250 Labradoodles were placed in the care of the not-for-profit animal welfare organisation.

Tasmanian Labradoodles has been contacted for comment.

The business has shut down its website and social media pages in the wake of the RSPCA’s call for donations and foster homes for the stranded labradoodles.

Since its public call-out for help on Tuesday, RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins said it had already achieved its $300,00 donation target.

“RSPCA Tasmania cannot thank you enough,” Ms Dawkins said.

“Your donations mean we can save these labradoodles sooner rather than later; its’s literally life-changing for them.

“This extraordinary generosity is in addition to the more than 300 Tasmanians who have

opened their homes to foster or adopt a labradoodle within just 10 hours of our call for help.

“We are blown away by everyone’s support, especially at a time when the cost of living

pressures are so big, it really is incredible.”

RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins with one of the rescued labradoodles. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Dawkins said the community response had shocked her.

“We have never seen this kind of generosity from the Tasmanian community. There’s been a lot of tears.

“We, as a group at the RSPCA, it’s brought us together in a way that I don’t think any other appeal has.

“We’ve got a real buoyed sense of purpose now.”

Having reached its fundraising target, Ms Dawkins said the excess money would be used to cater to the labradoodles’ immediate needs and upgrade the RSPCA’s kennels where the dogs would stay until they were ready for a new home.

“The hard work starts now with vet checks, behavioural assistance, vaccinations, desexing and ensuring each labradoodle is matched perfectly to their forever home,” Ms Dawkins said.

“We are working through each foster and adoption offer and will be in touch with everyone in

the coming days.

“We thank everyone for their patience and support as we take the necessary time to ensure we set these animals up for success in the best environments possible.

“These animals have had a rough start to life, and every single dollar that’s donated will help to give them the best start to this next chapter.”

Dogs Tasmania Executive Officer Kerry Smith praised the RSPCA’s work in rehoming the labradoodles.

“We condemn any factory farming of puppies and urge anyone looking for a puppy to research the breed and breeder before entering into any agreement,” Ms Smith said.

“We also encourage people to ensure any possible health testing is carried out on parents to minimise long-term effects from hereditary diseases.

“Our members operate under a strict Code of Behaviour and Ethics, which we believe offers the best outcomes for everyone.”