A WOMAN running a puppy farm in Wandsworth has been convicted of animal cruelty charges after the RSPCA had to euthanise dogs in her care.
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Dog breeder Jennifer Frazer has been fined $11,500 for three charges of aggravated animal cruelty and four charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment.
She pleaded guilty to all charges and faced Inverell Local Court last week for sentencing.
RSPCA inspectors and a veterinarian attended Frazer’s Loxton Road property after complaints.
Upon arrival they found numerous dogs, with some roaming the property while others were caged.
Several dogs were thin with ear and eye infections and dental problems.
Some appeared to have been attacked by other dogs.
Frazer agreed to surrender 27 dogs, seven of which had not received appropriate veterinary treatment.
A golden retriever, a German shepherd and a terrier crossbreed had to be put down on the day.
At the time of the visit, Frazer had about 70 breeding pairs of dogs at the property.
During a subsequent interview Frazer admitted to being the owner of the dogs.
She estimated that she would breed 200 to 250 puppies a year.
RSPCA inspector for New England, North West Slopes and Plains Michael Makeham said inspectors returned to the property to issue instructions in relation to the care of the animals and were continuing to work with Frazer and monitor her operations.
He said the RSPCA was aware of other breeders in the area who were “exploiting animals for their own gain” and they were working with them, but Frazer’s sentence should be a cautionary tale.
“Others will follow if they don’t comply,” he said.
Frazer was ordered to pay half of the fined sum to the RSPCA.
In addition to the fines, she was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.
