Five French bulldogs found living in squalor at a property east of Perth are now on their way to a better life.
The dogs were seized by an RSPCA WA inspector in February last year from a home in Wattle Grove, following a cruelty report.
The inspector who attended to investigate could smell faeces before even entering the property. Inside, she found eight French bulldogs living in putrid conditions.
Most were underweight and shut inside small, filthy cages with no bedding or water. Some had pressure sores on their back ends and muscle wastage, indicating they'd been confined for long periods of time. Two of the dogs had disfigured spines and hind legs, while another's eyeball appeared painfully ruptured.
The RSPCA WA inspector seized the dogs and brought them to the Animal Care Centre in Malaga, where they underwent extensive vet treatment, costing more than $41,000.
Due to terrible breathing difficulties associated with the breed, all dogs required airway surgery. Other issues included orthopaedic problems, dental disease, and skin allergies. All dogs were showing severe genetic deformities and behavioural conditions pointing to poor breeding practices.
Heartbreakingly, two of the dogs suffered complications during treatment and were unable to be saved. Another sadly had severe medical conditions and was euthanised on humane grounds. The remaining five
dogs, named Mercedes, Melody, Gizmo, Oreo, and Hera, remain in foster care.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the case was a stark reminder about the responsibilities of dog buyers.
'The signs were there that this property was being used to breed dogs at some point,' she said.
'To think that pet buyers may have been supporting this operation and, in turn, unknowingly perpetuating the suffering of these dogs is just heartbreaking. If you want to get a dog, please consider adoption from a reputable rescue organisation first.
'If you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. Always meet your new puppy and its mum in the home where it's being raised.'
In February, RSPCA WA secured forfeiture of the dogs through the courts, and reimbursement of their care costs. Seeking further penalty against the owner wasn't possible, as she abruptly left Australia after the animals were seized. Ms Green said the court decision meant finally–after more than a year in care with RSPCA WA–the dogs could proceed to rehoming.
'It's been a long road to recovery, and we're so grateful to the carers who have opened their hearts and
homes to these dogs,' Ms Green said.
'We expect most dogs will now be officially adopted by their long-term carers, which is a great outcome.'
