Puppy farm to be tested for disease

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture officials are expected to visit an Offaly puppy farm today after it was reported it is experiencing an outbreak of canine brucellosis – a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted to humans.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSCPA) and the Ulster SPCA both expressed concern over the weekend after the owners of the extensive dog breeding operation refused to sign an undertaking not to move animals off the premises over the weekend. It’s not known if the animals were subsequently moved.

The DSPCA called for a cordon to be put around the farm while the Ulster SPCA said that unless the animals were contained, the farm would be a big risk to the dog population elsewhere in the country. It’s understood there are up to 700 breeding bitches and 300 puppies at the facility and that it receives orders for puppies from within Ireland and abroad.

Canine brucellosis can cause liver damage and arthritis and is treated with antibiotics but is difficult to cure.

It is understood that the DSPCA travelled to the farm at the end of last week while Department of Agriculture officials were in contact with the breeders on Friday and Saturday. Due to the bank holiday weekend, today is they first time they will physically visit the operation.