Queensland raid - 101 dogs in "abysmal" condition

AUSTRALIA -- More than 100 dogs have been seized from a boarding and breeding kennel after the RSPCA found the animals in “appalling” conditions. RSPCA inspectors and police raided Waterford Boarding Kennels and Cattery, just south of Brisbane.

 

 

 

Dogs on the property including pure-bred poodles, labrador pups and a pomeranian were in filthy enclosures with matted faeces and urine in their fur and maggots in their orifices. RSPCA veterinarian Anne Covill said the living conditions were "abysmal", with many dogs suffering skin inflammations and riddled with worms.

“Internal parasites are another issue but it is too early to tell how bad it will be,” Dr Covill said. “It’s the worst condition I have seen in such large numbers.”

The Sunday Mail was present when the RSPCA and police launched their raid armed with a warrant to enter the property.

Mrs Robertson initially refused to allow the inspectors into her house and yelled that negligence claims were “vexatious” and “false”. She relented after being warned her door was about to be kicked down and she could be arrested for failing to comply with the warrant.

Mrs Robertson, who maintained the dogs were well-fed and seen to regularly by a veterinarian, admitted looking after the dogs was hard work on her own.

“I agree it’s too much for me,” Mrs Robertson allegedly said to inspectors.

RSPCA veterinarians vaccinated and groomed the dogs and will now monitor the animals for any signs of the canine parvovirus. Inspectors are considering charging Mrs Robertson with breach of duty of care, which carries a maximum $22,500 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment.

The 101 dogs seized from the Waterford property included six being boarded there by their owners, who were being contacted by the RSPCA.

Eight of the dogs had been bought and were to be sent overseas. Pure-bred poodles sell for between $850 and $3000.

Geraldine Fooi Fong Robertson, 62, is registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission as the owner of the “breeding and grooming” business. A sign at the front of the 2ha property also advertises services including clipping and grooming.

But Beaudesert Shire Council said Mrs Robertson did not hold a valid boarding kennel licence and had been given no environmental authority to conduct such a business in the shire.

(news.com.au - Jan 12, 2008)