This is not the first time we’ve seen animals suffer at the hands of an irresponsible breeder this year, and sadly, I am almost certain it won’t be the last. You’ll likely feel both saddened and angry when you read about these 31 German shepherd dogs and 12 puppies who have been neglected needlessly. It provides an important reminder to be vigilant if you are purchasing an animal from a breeder. Look out for red flags like fearful animals who shy away from being handled, poor visible body condition and breeders who request to meet in a parking lot or refuse access to where the animals have been kept.

Right now, these poor dogs desperately need your love after arriving into care this week.

The conditions these dogs have been kept in are painful to see. Their kennels were not fit for living in with saturated plywood flooring, an overwhelming stench of urine, and layers of feces, mud or soiled hay.

Their heartbreaking behaviours of distress were clear to see weaving inside the kennel, frantically circling and even bashing their muzzles into the wall. For some, their terror was so extreme they were almost frozen when a loving Animal Protection Officer opened the kennel door to rescue them. One dog cowered low in the back corner, staring at the wall, unable to engage with their kind rescuer and almost paralyzed due to fear.

These dogs have not known the love they deserve, until now. Today you can wrap your loving arms around these sweet souls and ensure they never have to endure suffering again.

Beneath their furry coats, staff discovered several of the dogs have protruding spine and hip bones. Upon examination, each animal is given a body score out of nine, five being a healthy weight. Most of this group have a score of three, with a couple even worse than that. They are bone-thin and visibly hungry. Even the most fearful dogs desperately darted towards the treats they were offered, gulping them down without even chewing.

The 12 puppies vary in age from a week or so old to around 9 months. As the property was searched, there seemed to be another litter of puppies kept in awful conditions around every corner. The youngest two pups and their skinny mama were found in the dark basement of the house, provided only with a pool and paper towels for bedding. Another mum and her three babies were closed into a very small space where the ammonia levels burnt the nose of Animal Protection staff as they entered. These are not places where new lives should take their first breaths or spend their vital first months.