ONE of the RSPCA’s biggest ever puppy farm prosecution cases has come before the Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court.
Dean Peace, along with parents John and Phyliss Peace, were charged with almost 250 animal cruelty charges yesterday in relation to an alleged puppy farm at Pyramid Hill near Bendigo.
They are expected to plead guilty to the charges in Kerang Magistrates’ Court next mont
RSPCA inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert said the property had been raided by the RSPCA several times since late 2013, resulting in charges for all three of the family members and their company.
“There were 253 charges laid against the individuals and those related to the insufficient food, overcrowding, insufficient grooming, as well as a number of charges that were individualised for dogs with a lack of veterinary care.
“There were a couple of aggravated cruelty charges as well relating to a couple of specific puppies and there were also charges with respect to notices to comply.
Ms Jalbert said their company, JB and PW Peace Pty Ltd, also faced 247 charges.
“All of those charges were also against the company except the notice to comply charges,” she said.
However, Ms Jalbert said after discussions between the parties she expected the charges to be condensed, leaving about 80 charges against Dean Peace, 78 against the company and 45 each against John and Phyliss Peace.
“…the indication at this stage is that the charges will be condensed and that there will be a guilty plea entered at a subsequent date,” she said.
For more on this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (April 17).
