An illegal 57-dog breeding operation at Dunolly under investigation for some time has now been closed down.
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The owner was breeding and selling dogs as an unregistered domestic animal business, and last month was refused a permit by Loddon Shire Council on the grounds they had not provided enough information about their compliance efforts.
The owner had also failed to appropriately house the animals.
RSPCA Victoria and Loddon Shire Council began a joint investigation of the property early last year.
But RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate team leader Lisa Calleja said officers had limited enforcement powers until new laws came into effect in April.
The owner has complied with orders to cease trading and reduce the number of animals to a legal level.
Most of the dogs have been surrendered to animal rescue groups.
But the owner will keep some desexed dogs, in compliance with animal welfare standards and council regulations.
The owner had advertised illegally bred dogs for sale on Facebook and The Trading Post.
Last year they surrendered six dogs, suffering such conditions as mange and heart murmurs, to an animal shelter.
“RSPCA Victoria has been working closely with local and state government to eradicate puppy farms for many years,” Ms Calleja said.
“The closure of this facility in Dunolly is a fantastic step toward achieving that common goal.”
RSPCA Victoria will not comment further as the investigation is ongoing.
From April 2020, breeders will not be permitted to have more than 10 breeding females.
