A dog found covered in urine with its back legs worn and almost exposing bone, its testicles baring raw flesh and wounds that left it immobilised while under the care of a pet rescue group has been euthanised.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The sight reduced RSPCA vets to tears on Wednesday after inspectors raided Storybook Farm – Sacred Animal Garden Rescue in north Brisbane over concerns for animals.
The dalmation, Barry, was then found in a horrific state among almost 40 animals, including the majority being disabled, which were seized and treated by RSPCA's veterinary team.
RSPCA reported that the conditions they lived in did not resemble how it was portrayed on social media by the rescue group when airing regular stories and pleading for donations.
A photo of Barry was posted on the rescue group's Facebook page a day before the raid, looking clean and content while wearing a donated jumper.
In reality, the dog's injuries, including severe ulceration of wounds that were associated with dragging and read-end immobility led to it suffering from no bladder control.
Due to its low quality of life, the prognosis and inability to live comfortably, Barry was euthanised.
The other animals had a variety of medical conditions, including open wounds and some from them chewing themselves or from scraping their immobile bodies along the ground.
Others suffered from skin diseases, ear infections and pressure sores.
All dogs were living in faeces and urine with disabled animals being unable to move normally and some were left without water or bedding.
RSPCA described the scene as heartbreaking and one of their most experienced inspectors said conditions were "horrendous".
“Quite frankly, we were shocked to see that the person in charge of these animals continued to maintain the public facade that the animals were being rescued and well cared for, and that funding was being spent on their care," he said.
"It’s hard to believe that is the case, when we see what we’ve seen here today."
Chief inspector Daniel Young said RSPCA was continually disappointed to see people keeping animals in conditions under the guise of operating as a rescue or sanctuary.
"We are constantly amazed that donations are given to some of these groups and do not appear to have been used on the care of the animals," he said.
"We also know there are excellent smaller rescue groups out there and they provide us with valuable assistance, and do great work for animals.
"But sadly there are some rescue groups that still try to operate on a love of animals and good intentions, rather than providing for the real needs of animals."
Mr Young said it was common to find animal rescue operations that appeared to have hoarding behaviours.
He warned the public that what was posted on Facebook was not always the reality.
"Do your due diligence, check out financial reports, ask around about the conditions animals are kept in, find out where veterinary work is done, and make considered decisions about surrendering animals and adopting animals – because they depend on you," he said.
Mr Young said rescue groups needed to know their limits and avoid taking too much on to avoid an outcome where animals were not taken care of appropriately.
RSPCA also revealed inspectors had attended a second property owned by the Storybook Farm operators in north Brisbane where horses and a donkey were found to be underweight.
An Animal Welfare Direction for care and food to be provided for the animals was issued on March 8 but ultimately seized three emaciated horses.
