Rescued dog was excessively bred

A LABRADOR seized at an illegal puppy farm in Longford is believed to have been excessively bred to make money for its owners, it emerged yesterday.

The dog was one of two labradors seized by animal welfare officers. They were among 51 dogs found in appalling conditions at the farm.

Appealing for help from the public, Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) Inspector Brendan Hughes said they did not have grounds to seize all the dogs. But they did remove the two Labradors, such was the concern for their health.

“We’ve done blood tests on the underweight dog and believe it might be a medical condition she’s suffering from. The second dog was extremely over-weight. Everything from her neck downwards was dragging off the ground.

“From her teeth, she appears to be no more than six or seven years old. But she’s no longer golden, but white and looks about 12 or 13, she appears to have been bred so heavily,” he added.

Labradors typically have large litters, featuring as many as eight or nine pups. “This dog looks like she may have produced as many as 14 litters in her short lifetime. And the pups sell at anything from €150 to €450, depending where they are sold.

“The poor thing looks terrible. Her suspensory ligaments which hold her mammary glands together have completely collapsed, probably from over-breeding, our vet says.

“We’ve arranged to have her seen by the veterinary hospital. Typically a dog in this condition would be taken around the back of a shed and hit a slap of a shovel. It’s the first time we’ve managed to rescue a dog in such a condition. Caring for her will take a lot of money and that’s where we need to appeal to the public for help,” Mr Hughes added.

While the dog was in poor condition, welfare officers are optimistic a new home can be found for her.

The ISPCA has been extremely successful over the past year in its clampdown on puppy farming.

To support the ISPCA campaign: www.ispca.ie.