‘Puppy farm’ concern

The application to breed female staffies has divided the community. Picture: MITCHELL CLARKE 220249_01

By Mitchell Clarke

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Victoria has vowed to take Cardinia Shire Council to VCAT if a controversial “puppy farm” application in Bunyip is approved.

The applicant, J&P Armiento which trades as ‘Allbluestaff’, have lodged an application to increase the number of dogs on their property for commercial breeding.

The breeder currently holds a permit to breed 10 fertile female staffies and three male staffies, but wants that number increased to 30 females and five males.

According to planning documents lodged with the council, the applicant plans for each dog to have one to two litters per year, depending on their pregnancy recovery and physical and emotional condition.

But concerns about the welfare of the dogs have been raised, which follow allegations the breeder has been suspended and fined by Dogs Victoria in the past.

According to publicly available excerpts from Dogs Victoria, the applicant was suspended for six months and fined $500 in November 2018 for breeding an underage dog and was again fined $500 in April 2019 for breeding a female dog twice in 18 months.

Dogs Victoria is the peak body representing owners and breeders of purebred dogs, and all members must comply with the rules, regulations and codes of practice of the association.

“Dogs Victoria members are required by our Code of Practice to breed for the betterment of the breed, not primarily for the commercial market,” president Vin McPhee explained.

“Subject to meeting ethical standards and compliance with association and state requirements, Dogs Victoria supports the breeding of pure bred registered dogs by our members and will discipline members who fall short of our welfare standards when proper evidence is established.”

According to the application, the dogs are in their exercise yard from 7am and are taken on daily walks, with a different dog chosen to attend daily school pickups.

But the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Victoria holds “serious concerns” about both the current application and the existing permit.

The club’s media liaison Dr David Lowe said the group wanted Cardinia Shire Council to not only refuse the application, but also revoke the current permit.

Dr Lowe said the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed craved human attention, but said he believed the applicant was failing to provide that.

“We know he’s got these dogs living in runs – that’s not a habitat of a Stafford – the habitat of a Stafford is inside on the couch with the family,” he said.

“These dogs are being treated as nothing more than breeding commodities and they’re not being given the attention that a Stafford so desperately needs or craves.

“A Stafford that becomes unhappy – and these dogs will no doubt be unhappy – starts showing traits from the breed that is unfavourable.”

When asked if the operation appeared to be a puppy farm, Dr Lowe said: “The guy is producing multiple puppies at a time. He’s breeding bitches continuously. He’s registering at the highest possible commercial rate. Nothing else in dogdom screams puppy farm more.”

A breeder who wishes to have 11 or more fertile female dogs must obtain approval from the Minister for Agriculture for commercial breeding under section 58AA of the Domestic Animals Act.

Cardinia Shire Council general manager infrastructure and environment Peter Benazic said the planning application was currently being assessed.

He added the council was aware of the applicant’s previous suspension with Dogs Victoria.

“Under the Planning and Environment Act, council is required to look at planning permit applications of this nature in regards to whether the land use is suitable in the location, and any potential amenity impacts that may arise,” Mr Benazic said.

So far, more than 50 objections to the application have been made, meaning the matter would be decided at an upcoming meeting.

Dogs Victoria’s decision to suspend a breeder does not need to be considered by the council in deciding on the application, but it may be relevant to the decision of Minister Jaclyn Symes.

A spokeswoman for Animal Welfare Victoria (Department of Agriculture) said the breeder had been made aware of his legislative obligations and still had the opportunity to apply.

“Animal Welfare Victoria works with its regulatory partners, local councils and RSPCA Victoria, to provide advice to the Minister on commercial dog breeder applications, monitor compliance and take action as needed,” she said.

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick told the Gazette he would raise the application with both the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Planning.

“No matter if they’re big or small – it’s clear Victorians don’t want puppy farms in our state. I sincerely hope that this facility is not one of them,” he said.

“Staffies are one of the most common breeds of dog to be surrendered to rescue groups, pounds and shelters. My advice to anyone looking for a staffy would be to save a life and choose adoption.”

Debra Tranter, who founded Oscar’s Law, a non-profit organisation dedicated to “abolishing” puppy farms, said it was “concerning” to see an increasing number of applications for commercial dog breeding facilities.

“Oscar’s Law is encouraging the Ministers for Planning and Agriculture to be vigilant and ensure they are not approving anyone who is a known puppy farmer or has a history of cruelty,” she said.

The applicant declined numerous requests for comment from the Gazette, stating he didn’t need to explain himself.

Members of the public can make a submission through cardinia.vic.gov.au/advertisedplanningapplications