Target: Michelle O’Byrne, Speaker of Tasmanian House of Assembly
Goal: Support ban on puppy farms across Tasmania following closure of major operation.
For three years, animal welfare advocates sought the closure of Tasmania’s largest puppy farm, Tasmanian Labradoodles. A prominent advocacy group finally secured this victory when the puppy farm’s owners shuttered its doors following dozens of allegations of overbreeding. As a result, about 250 animals were liberated and are now in the process of finding forever homes.
Unfortunately, existing laws in Tasmania mean that such a horrendous practice will likely arise again. As part of a reported settlement, the puppy farm’s owners will not face any legal charges. And even if charges were at hand, they would have almost certainly resulted in nothing more than a relatively low financial penalty. Advocates are calling for an urgent amendment to these laws and a full ban on puppy farms within Tasmania.
Sign the petition below to join these pleas for needed reform.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Speaker O’Byrne,
“The breeders were able to continue to operate, and hundreds of dogs were born into poor health and many never had contact with humans. This was an appalling chapter in animal welfare for our state, and we cannot ever let this happen again. The reality is that the laws failed all of us, and the existing law does nothing to deter this from happening again. The laws must change, and they must change urgently.”
The RSPCA recently released this statement in response to the closure of the most expansive puppy farm in Tasmania. While 250 animals were ultimately rescued, how many more may have suffered during the preceding years? Please honor the RSPCA’s urgent petition to invoke the change desperately warranted. Institute a legal ban on puppy farms and ensure the lives and livelihoods of countless innocent animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
