Outcry at 'battery' dog farms

Pet owners are paying thousands in veterinary bills for chronically sick dogs bought from pet stores supplied by puppy farms.

The RSPCA is warning buyers to avoid pet shops if they want to ensure their animals do not originate from large-scale breeding operations in which dogs are treated like battery hens.

RSPCA NSW Chief inspector David O'Shannessy said genetic defects and disease were be concerns with puppy farming.

"There is little control over the management of breeding," he said.

The Sunday Telegraph has obtained documents that links two suspected puppy farmers - breeders Rivergum and Woodpark, both at Barham in the Riverina - to big pet-shop chains.

Marie Marton bought Bella, a golden retriever, as a nine week old puppy for $950 from a Pet SuperCentre branch in September 2008.

The next day Bella had a fit, collapsing to the floor crying and shaking. Staff at the shop said she was merely "weak".

Bella then developed a bad limp and was diagnosed with double hip dysplasia and kidney problems. She requires treatment every three weeks and is not expected to live much longer.

"The vet said she would have expected this kind of condition in an eight year old dog," Mrs Marton said.

The Martongs have spent about $3,000 on treatments, with daily medication including injections, joint formula, multi-vitamins, fish oil and Chinese herbs.

Pet SuperCentre Loganholme branch manager Michelle Lowe said the store used to buy its dogs from puppy farms, but now refused to deal with them.

Reference: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

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