Overbred Labradoodles rescued in Devon

Property had 41 dogs

Two years on from new laws designed to stop backstreet puppy breeding, more than 40 dogs have been removed to safety from a property in Devon.

The Animal Welfare Regulations (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) of October 2018 didn't prevent what one Devon animal charity is labelling a "Labradoodle disaster." The Gables Cats and Dogs Home has taken in 29 of the 41 dogs, many of them just puppies that had been living in cramped conditions in their own waste, with limited access to food, water and any basic health care. Their fur was matted and they were suffering from health issues such as ear mites, infections, malnutrition and worms.

The dogs home says the mothers of all the puppies were extremely underweight as they struggled to keep up with the demand of having to nurse large litters, one after the other. The puppies have been properly weaned now so they can start to enjoy a life for themselves instead of being used as product producing machines, but one has since died after a week in intensive care. 

Claire Sparkes from the Gables says: “For anyone considering purchasing a puppy from a breeder, I urge you to insist on seeing one or both parents of any puppy as well as observe their living conditions. We hear so many horror stories of people meeting in places like car parks and service stations to purchase a puppy as well as receiving puppies by mail order!"

The care and ongoing treatment of all these 29 puppies and dogs alone is estimated to cost Gables around an extra £2,000 on top of their normal operating costs. If you can help by making a contribution to the ‘Labradoodle disaster’ campaign please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/labradoodledisaster to donate online.