More than 100 dogs kept in small wire cages have been seized from a Victorian puppy farm in what the RSPCA says is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty in history.
The dogs were surrendered to the RSPCA after inspectors found them in cramped wire cages surrounded by their own excrement.
The animal welfare organisation was notified about the intensive breeding centre after receiving a complaint and conducted the raid with a team of RSPCA inspectors, police, a veterinarian and council staff.
The RSPCA's Helen Cocks said the organisation was shocked at the number of dogs and the deplorable conditions in which they were kept at the farm.
"A large proportion of these dogs, of various breeds and ages, were kept in wire cages over their own excrement, which was several centimetres deep," Ms Cocks said.
"Wire cages are inhumane and totally unacceptable because they inhibit normal movement and pose a significant risk of leg and paw injuries for dogs and especially puppies."
Ms Cocks said many of the dogs were unable to be inspected thoroughly because they were too traumatised and afraid of people.
The owners of the puppy farm, the location of which the RSPCA has not disclosed, have been issued with several notices to comply and could face prosecution for animal cruelty.
