RSPCA shuts down Tasmania’s largest puppy farm amid allegations of overbreeding

More than 250 labradoodles are in need of a home after Tasmania’s largest puppy farm was shut down following a landmark out-of court agreement.

Tasmanian Labradoodles was closed down on Friday following a lengthy legal battle with the RSPCA over allegations of overbreeding.

Hundreds of labradoodles have since been surrendered to the RSPCA, more than a year after the organisation first brought 70 charges of overbreeding against the owners in 2023.

The charges brought against co-owners Elizabeth and Paul Bartlett relate to alleged breaches of the Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations that state a dog must not have more than two litters within an 18-month period.

The couple had in an earlier court appearance pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As an agreement was reached, the charges will not be pursued.

RSPCA chief executive Andrea Dawkins said while the agreement was a “historic win for animal welfare”, there was still a large amount of work to be done in order to rehome the puppies.

“We have been fighting to close Tasmania’s largest puppy farm for around three years, and we’ve finally succeeded,” Ms Dawkins said.

“Now, the RSPCA needs urgent financial help to provide veterinary care, foster homes and ultimately adoption for more than 250 labradoodles currently at the property.”

Ms Dawkins said it could cost the charity at least $1000 per dog to cover expenses, including vet checks, vaccinations, behavioural assistance, food and temporary rehoming.

“This is an urgent call out to anyone who can donate to the RSPCA to help us give this critical care to hundreds of labradoodles. No matter how small the donation, every dollar counts,” she said.

“We have set a goal to raise $300,000 to help us in providing the care, medical requirements and loving foster environments to set these labradoodles on their pathway to forever homes.”

Ms Dawkins is also calling on the Tasmanian government to “urgently” make changes to the state’s dog regulations.

She said the existing laws had “failed” everyone as they did not deter incidents of animal abuse.

“Under the existing laws, the Tasmanian Labradoodle owners could have faced a maximum penalty of just $273,000, which is just a cost of doing business for a puppy farm with an estimated revenue of around $2m.

“The laws must change. We cannot let a situation like this happen ever again.”