Rescued Tasmania Labradoodles unrecognisable after matted fur removal

After five long weeks, all 239 labradoodles have been rescued as part of the RSPCA’s operation to shut down Tasmania’s largest puppy farm. What happens next for the dogs.

Four labradoodles have much-needed haircuts at Southern Pet Grooming, who offered their services to 12 dogs for free. Picture: Supplied

After five long weeks, all 239 labradoodles have been rescued as part of the RSPCA’s unprecedented operation to shut down Tasmania’s largest puppy farm.

Many of the former Tasmania Labradoodles dogs have already had their Cinderella moment, undergoing much-needed haircuts to remove their severely matted coats.

RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Andrea Dawkins said the final 28 labradoodles were removed from the now-closed puppy farm.

“It’s incredible to celebrate ‘mission accomplished’ on the rescue phase of this unprecedented operation, but there is still a great deal of hard work ahead as we now focus on rehabilitation and rehoming phases,” Ms Dawkins said.

RSPCA Tasmania workers Paul Wyld and Lauren Chenhall with two of the rescued labradoodles at Wags and Tails in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

“We have been relieved to find that most of the labradoodles are in good condition and largely in need of a good bath, groom, and love.

“But there have been a small number with conditions that need some extra expert care, including ear infections, hernias, and hip problems, which our extraordinary local vets are helping to fix.”

One of the rescued labradoodles gets a haircut from manager Shari Rodman at Wags and Tails in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Wags ’n’ Tails manager Shari Rodman said she had never seen dogs in such poor condition before the labradoodle rescue.

“Many of the dogs are covered in faeces and urine and had mud caked into their fur, which was matted the whole way up,” she said.

“It takes some time per dog, and many have never been groomed before, so we go slow with them so it’s not too scary for them.”

The matted hair leftover at Wags 'n' Tails in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Wags and Tails manager Shari Rodman and RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Andrea Dawkins with two of the rescued labradoodles. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Severe matting in dog fur can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, causing restricted movement, skin irritation, and even blood flow impairment.

Ms Rodman said once the dogs had their removed and a nice bath, their personality came out almost immediately.

“I’ve found that as soon as I get that hair off, they’re coming to life,” she said.

“They start to wag their tails, become playful, and must feel so much better without all of that fur.”

Ms Dawkins said after their new haircuts, the RSPCA was working through vet checks, vaccinations, desexing and behavioural assistance for each labradoodle before they would find their fur-ever home.

“It has been so rewarding to see many of our labradoodles settle into foster and forever homes across Tasmania and quickly become much-loved members of the family,” she said.