RSPCA raided a property near Strathalbyn on Monday and found more than 100 dogs, many of which were being kept in filthy pens littered with their own faeces and urine. Some animals had no access to sunlight and many had unclean water.

Puppy farm raid

More than 100 dogs, many of them pregnant, were found in filthy conditions at a rural property near Strathalbyn on Monday during what is believed to be the first “puppy farm raid” conducted by the RSPCA in SA for many years.

The raid followed months of investigations by animal welfare groups and a reconnaissance trip last week to gather video footage and photographs of the sheds and stables where the dogs were kept.

The RSPCA has confirmed that puppies bred at the property were being supplied to pet shops.

The raid uncovered most of the animals living in squalor. Some were kept in small dark cages and many had “undrinkable” water.

Also in this week’s issue

• Save the pageant: Community leaders will call on Premier Jay Weatherill to help secure the future of the Mt Barker Christmas Pageant.
• ID swap: Two Lobethal sisters who switched identities in an attempt to dodge a drink driving charge have avoided going to jail.
• Festival a hoot: Thousands of music-lovers flocked to the Hills over the long weekend for a second revamped Mt Barker JazzFest.
• Starting point: The success of Mt Barker High School’s Positive Psychology program drew more than 200 people to the school’s Starting Points conference on June 7.
• New school: Lobethal could be the location for the Hills’ newest independent secondary college.

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