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Shih Tzu Puppies Among 86 Dogs Rescued From Illegal Breeding Farm

Shih Tzu Puppies Among 86 Dogs Rescued From Illegal Breeding Farm

The dogs, including 23 puppies, were removed from the illegal breeding farm in Ireland

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ireland's version of the RSPCA) has rescued 86 dogs from an illegal dog-breeding farm.

The animals were being kept in very poor conditions and had only one person caring for them at the breeding farm in County Roscommon, Ireland.

According to the MailOnline, the 86 dogs - including 23 puppies - were removed and 19 were found to be suffering with a number of health issues including mange, eye conditions and ear infections.

ISPCA

The dogs - including Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Jack Russell terriers, Pugs, French bulldogs and other various mixed breeds - will need to be vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed in Ireland.

We'll take them all.

The pooches are currently being cared for at the ISPCA's animal centres in Longford and Donegal and will not be available for re-homing for several weeks.

Look at them though.

ISPCA

Dog breeders are required to be registered and licensed under the Dog Breeding Establishments (DBE) Act 2010 if they have six or more female dogs over the age of six months that are capable of breeding.

New guidelines are set to come into force in January 2019. The ISPCA called for the staff to dog ratio in breeding centres to be 1:10, but instead the Department of Rural and Community Development opted for 1:25.

ISPCA

A spokeswoman for the dog charity said: "The ISPCA does not believe that one person can provide adequate care for that number of dogs, particularly if all of them have a litter of puppies.

"The ISPCA is asking the public to report their suspicions about unlicensed dog breeders to the ISPCA's National Animal Cruelty Helpline 1890 515515 or to the local authority.

"The ISPCA is also asking pet owners to ensure that they get their dog neutered to avoid unwanted litters."

ISPCA

The MailOnline reported that a further 17 puppies were removed from a house last Thursday where the owner had allowed his dogs to breed without consideration for the consequences.

Inspector Karen Lyons from ISPCA said: "I would urge the public to continue to report these establishments.

"Due to the inadequate care these dogs were clearly in distress. We are excited for the future of these dogs where they will go on to caring and loving homes once they are available for re-homing."

Donations to the ISPCA can be made here or text ISPCA to 50300 to donate four euros.

Featured Image Credit: ISPCA

Topics: Ireland, Community, Animals, Dogs