More than 250 labradoodles are in urgent need of homes after one of Tasmania’s largest dog breeders closed down following court action, a move that will cost the RSPCA around $300,000.
The RSPCA laid 70 charges of overbreeding against the Tasmanian Labradoodles’ owners, Elizabeth Anne Bartlett and her husband Paul, almost 18 months ago.
The charges relate to the alleged overbreeding of her dogs between April 2021 and February 2023.
The Tasmanian Labradoodles had been operating on a 36-hectare property in Epping Forest, south of Launceston for more than a decade.
The RSPCA said it had reached an out-of-court settlement with the company on Friday, which included the immediate and permanent closure of the facility and the surrender of all its dogs.
Although the dog breeder has taken down her social media sites, her main website is still active and says she is having a “pick-up sale now, all puppies over six months old half price.”
Their website also says the “family-owned business” are “dedicated breeders of the highest quality, multi-generational labradoodles.”
Due to the out-of-court settlement, charges against the Tasmanian Labradoodles will not be filed now.
More than 250 labradoodles are in urgent need of homes after one of Tasmania’s largest breeding farms closed down following court action, a move that will cost the RSPCA around $300,000. Pictured is a labradoodle and her puppies.
RSPCA chief executive Andrea Dawkins said the battle to close the breeder had lasted three years and there were many bills involved in caring for the dogs.
“We have finally done it. It is unprecedented, it is expensive and the RSPCA urgently needs your help,” he said.
‘The RSPCA urgently needs financial support to provide veterinary care, foster homes and ultimately adoption for more than 250 labradoodles currently on the property.’
Ms Dawkins said it will cost at least $1,000 per dog as they need veterinary checks, vaccinations, behavioural assistance, food and temporary rehoming.
Some dogs may also have serious health problems that require additional treatment.
“We’re asking Tasmanians to open their homes and hearts to these beautiful animals, who deserve a second chance at a loving life,” Dawkins said.
“This is an urgent appeal to anyone who can to donate to the RSPCA to help us provide this critical care to hundreds of labradoodles. No matter how small the donation, every dollar counts.”
The RSPCA is aiming to raise $300,000 to cover the animal’s medical and foster care costs.
People can donate through the RSPCA Tasmania. website.
Although many of the dogs have never been in contact with a human, Ms Dawkins said: “Despite their difficult start, they have an undying love for humans.
‘They are friendly and affectionate, with a gentle temperament that makes them the most ideal family pet.’
The society is calling on the state government to reform its laws on puppy farming.
“The reality is that the law has failed us all… the current law does nothing to prevent this from happening and does nothing to penalize it when it does happen,” Dawkins said.
The RSPCA laid 70 charges of overbreeding against Tasmanian labradoodle owners Elizabeth Anne Bartlett and her husband Paul (pictured) nearly 18 months ago
The RSPCA is aiming to raise $300,000 to cover the dogs’ medical and foster care costs. Pictured is a labradoodle
‘Under current laws, Tasmanian Labradoodle owners could have faced a maximum fine of just $273,000, which is just the cost of doing business for a puppy farm with an estimated revenue of around $2 million (per year).’
He said laws must be changed. “We cannot allow a situation like this to happen again.”
‘Tasmania needs laws banning puppy farms, and we need mandatory registration, standards and behaviour for breeding.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tasmanian Labradoodles for comment.