Ms Pulford attended RSPCA Pets Place in Sebastopol on Wednesday to announce a special investigations unit, which will work to uncover and prosecute illegal puppy farms around Ballarat and Victoria. 

It comes after the state government announced $5 million funding for the RSPCA earlier this month, with the money set to help the RSPCA with data collation, animal seizure, rehabilitation and care of animals seized from illegal puppy farms.

Ms Pulford said the investigations unit would focus on identifying and closing illegal puppy farms, prosecuting rogue operators and caring for, rehabilitating and rehoming seized animals. 

“We’re working with the RSPCA to crack down on puppy farms and put the welfare of breeding animals first,” she said.

“The RSPCA have commenced work to establish a Special Investigations Unit to inspect illegal and cruel puppy farms and ensure rogue operators have no place to hide.

“We’ll smash the puppy farm business model across our regional communities.”

RSPCA Victoria chief executive officer Dr Liz Walker thanked the state government for their help. 

“I am pleased that the Victorian government has heard community concerns and has taken steps to make this financial contribution towards RSPCA Victoria’s work to close puppy and kitten factories,” Dr Walker said.

“This support from the Victorian government will help RSPCA authorised officers target unlawful breeding operations as we work together with local councils to send a strong message to rogue breeders that there is no place for their disgraceful practices here in Victoria.”