A woman on the north coast of NSW has been convicted of animal cruelty offences arising from her operation of a dog breeding business. She pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to a female Dachshund named ‘Lucy’ for an open, infected laceration on the dog’s leg. A further offence of failing to provide vet treatment to Lucy and her three puppies for hookworm was taken into account on a Form 1.
In addition, the woman pleaded guilty to six offences related to breaches of the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding Dogs and Cats, which sets minimum standards for animal breeding establishments in NSW.
Appearing in Coffs Harbour Local Court on 23 October 2025, the offender was convicted of each offence and fined $500 for failing to provide vet treatment to Lucy. In relation to her non-compliance with the Code, the Court imposed a 12-month Conditional Release Order. She was disqualified from owning or having any involvement in the care of animals for a period of two years, with an exception for two desexed dogs that must be identified to RSPCA NSW. The offender must also pay animal care costs amounting to $9,632.17.
As a result of the convictions, the offender must not breed animals or work as part of a breeding business again.
In facts tendered on sentence, the Court heard that RSPCA NSW Inspectors attended the woman’s property in October 2024 in relation to a complaint about conditions in which dogs were being housed and bred.
On arrival, Inspectors found a total of 39 dogs of various breeds including Dachshunds, Bassett Hounds, Labradors and French Bulldogs. Of the 39 dogs, 25 of those were breeding females with 10 males and four puppies. Some dogs were free roaming in a yard that was heavily soiled with faeces, while other dogs were confined to an outdoor pen.
The Inspectors conducted an animal trade inspection where multiple breaches of the Code were found relating to grooming, vaccinations, enclosure size, evacuation plan, records and microchips.
During this inspection, Lucy was found severely matted, underweight, and with a bandage around her rear left leg. After removing bandaging, a large open laceration was found. While it wasn’t bleeding, there was a noticeable smell, and the wound did not appear to be new.
A close-up of the wound found on Lucy’s leg.
Lucy was seized for the provision of immediate vet treatment along with her three dependent puppies. A veterinary examination found that Lucy’s leg laceration was infected and causing significant pain, swelling, heat, redness and pus. She tested positive for hookworm along with her three puppies.
The leg laceration was found to have required veterinary treatment for at least three days prior to examination. Treatment involved x-rays, surgery and antibiotics. If left any longer, the infection would likely have spread to the joint, causing sepsis and/or secondary chronic osteoarthritis.
“RSPCA NSW works hard to ensure all breeders, whether they be small-scale, at-home breeders or large operations, comply with the Code of Practice,” said an Inspector involved in the matter.
“When our Inspectors go to a breeding premises and we are faced with animals that have untreated injuries, are dirty, matted and kept in small enclosures, we will act.
“It’s vital that all breeders are held accountable for how they treat animals in their care and we urge the public to always do their due diligence if they decide to purchase from one.
“To find a responsible breeder it’s important to visit the place where they breed and keep their animals and ask the right questions before buying.”
Lucy, who was renamed Lulu, and her three puppies were all successfully treated and rehomed through RSPCA NSW after being voluntarily surrendered.
“My partner and I often talk about how remarkable her love and trust are, given everything she’s been through,” Lulu’s new owner said.
“She’s a dog who simply needed time, patience and a safe space to flourish and she truly has. We love her deeply and couldn’t imagine our little family without her.
“We’ll be forever grateful for the amazing Inspectors who rescued her and brought her into our lives.”
Lucy, now named Lulu, was rehomed through RSPCA NSW and has found her forever family.
RSPCA NSW would like to remind the community that if you have any concerns about an animal’s welfare, please call our cruelty hotline on 1300 278 3589
GRAPHIC IMAGES WARNING. Images are available for download here.
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