The shelter is experiencing a record influx of puppies and dogs needing homes. Photo: RSPCA ACT.
CONTENT WARNING: This article contains images of deformed puppies that some readers might find distressing.
RSPCA ACT has slammed “irresponsible pet owners” and backyard breeders as several puppies have been euthanised due to disease and deformities.
More than 265 puppies have arrived at the shelter this financial year, with CEO Michelle Robertson describing the problem as quickly becoming untenable.
“We are receiving pregnant mums who themselves are not healthy, neo natal puppies, puppies are being born with severe deformities due to irresponsible breeding, it is quite confronting,” she said.
“These pregnant mums often look like they were not loved or cared for. It’s as if some of these irresponsible people simply think they’re ‘someone else’s problem’ and that ‘someone else’ is us and our supporters.”
Ten puppies had to be put down earlier this year after the shelter discovered they had parvovirus. Also known as parvo or canine parvovirus, it is a highly contagious virus that affects unvaccinated and partially vaccinated dogs. Puppies are often most at risk.
The litter had been born in the dirt beneath someone’s house.
More recently three puppies were born without noses and with deformed mouths. It’s suspected these issues were the result of “careless or irresponsible breeding”.
Ms Robertson said the pups were euthanised to be “spared a life of misery” and described the circumstances as soul-destroying for staff and volunteers.
“Irresponsible pet owners are burdening animal shelters and the entire community and simply perpetuating cycles of neglect,” she said.
“We have to break the cycle.”
The RSPCA ACT shelter currently has 288 animals in care, including 40 puppies.
Dog owners have been urged to desex their animals to prevent unwanted litters.
Ms Robertson has also challenged Canberrans to have difficult conversations with irresponsible and deliberate backyard breeders.
“If you hear about a friend or someone selling puppies for cheap or giving them away for free, please try to convince them to desex, or at a minimum put measures in place to avoid litters being born,” she said.
“Ask them to consider what happens when those puppies grow up and start having puppies. If financial hardship is the key barrier to responsible pet ownership, there are some options available and services to access.
“This is a whole of community problem, it’s getting worse each day and we’re going to need to pull together to stop it.”
