THE owners of a Kerang dog-breeding facility under investigation for possible breaches of animal welfare acts are “working cooperatively” with authorities.
Animal protection organisation Animals Australia made formal complaints to Gannawarra Shire Council and the RSPCA last week after it obtained what it claimed was “damning” footage of the puppy farm and its “secret ties” to popular pet stores and websites.
Animals Australia spokeswoman Lisa Chalk said specific concerns with the Kerang facility, which used to be a piggery, were an apparent lack of bedding and enrichment in stalls, as well as inappropriate provisions of food and water bowls, exercise, socialisation and handling.
She said there were further concerns that popular pet shops could be buying from the Kerang facility and onselling puppies despite “telling customers they don’t support puppy factories”.
“Local communities usually have no idea what’s going on inside these massive factory farms,” Ms Chalk said.
Gannawarra Shire Council’s director of infrastructure Geoff Rollinson confirmed that the council was working with the RSPCA to investigate any possible breaches to animal welfare acts.
“We have already interviewed the owners and they are working cooperatively with us,” he said.
“We will be doing an audit — we have been doing them regularly.
“In the operation of a breeding and rearing business… audits are conducted every six months.”
RSPCA Victoria inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert said RSPCA investigations were carried out in a similar way to police investigations, and often involved consulting with witnesses and gathering detailed information.
“The RSPCA received a complaint from Animals Australia on May 12 regarding a property in Kerang,” she said.
“RSPCA will be investigating any possible breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, while the local council will investigate any breaches of the Domestic Animals Act, including the Code of Practice for Operation of Breeding and Rearing Establishments.”
The property was investigated two years ago and found to be compliant with regulations.
