A huge adoption effort has been launched in Tasmania after more than 250 puppies were surrendered following the closure of the largest puppy farm in the state.
The farm, Tasmanian Labradoodles, was shut down last Friday following an out-of-court settlement amid allegations of overbreeding, 9News reports.
Co-owners Elizabeth and Paul Bartlett had been hit with 70 charges for alleged overbreeding between April 2021 and February 2023.
Following the closure, the RSPCA now faces the "unprecedented" task of rehoming hundreds of dogs, chief executive Andrea Dawkins said.
"We have been fighting to close Tasmania's largest puppy farm for around three years, and we've finally succeeded," she 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."
Dawkins said many of the dogs had not been socialised, meaning they "will need so much attention and care before they are ready to be part of a loving family with the life they so deserve".
The RSPCA is now looking to raise AU$300,000 to cover the cost of the puppies' veterinary care, behavioural assistance, food, and placements in foster homes.
"Despite their rough start, they have an invincible love of humans. They are friendly and loving, with a gentle temperament that makes them the most ideal family pet."
The RSPCA is now calling on the Tasmanian government to reform its dog regulations to stop similar situations from happening again.
"Under the existing laws, the Tasmanian Labradoodle owners could have faced a maximum penalty of just AU$273,000 (NZ$304,000), which is just a cost of doing business for a puppy farm with an estimated revenue of around $2 million (NZ$2.2 million).
"The laws must change. We cannot let a situation like this happen ever again."
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