RSPCA WA inspectors were called to a home in Canning Vale in December 2024 after a member of the public reported finding dogs wandering outside the property. Upon arrival, inspectors found more than 100 dogs, including puppies and adult dogs of several breeds housed in kennel blocks.
The Perth Magistrate's Court heard the offender had bred nearly 400 dogs over four years. He would often take the puppies for sale from his Canning Vale property to a home in Como to disguise the farm's origin.
RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green described it as the worst case of puppy farming she had ever seen. "This case was both heartbreaking and infuriating. When animals are treated purely as commodities in the pursuit of profit, the consequences for their welfare can be devastating," she said.
Many of the dogs had severely matted coats, untreated medical conditions and displayed fearful behaviour consistent with prolonged neglect. The offender acknowledged some required veterinary treatment but said he would not take them to a vet, claiming he was treating an injury on one dog with honey.
Magistrate Sandra De Maio described the offender as a "devious and dishonest individual" whose story "changes like the tides". She said he was uncaring of their welfare and indifferent to their pain, and that the animals had suffered greatly for most of their lives.
Of the 117 dogs seized from the property, 22 were put down due to serious health issues. Many of the survivors have been rehomed through the RSPCA's foster carer network. The man was sentenced to nine months immediate imprisonment and ordered to pay $5000 for breaching a forfeiture order by selling a golden retriever puppy.