First dogs seized in puppy farm raid up for adoption

THE first dogs seized during the raid of an illegal puppy farm in south-west Queensland are now available for adoption.

Five of the 81 dogs seized in the raid at a property near Goondiwindi last month were surrendered by owner Haris Ljuhar to the RSPCA, with the organisation clearing them to be re-homed.

In a Facebook Live video updating the dogs' conditions, RSPCA Queensland CEO Mark Townend said the five animals were remarkably well-behaved and sociable considering their appalling conditions.

"These are just a handful of the dogs (that were seized)," he said in the video, which showed all animals happy and healthy.

"The dogs are doing well, and considering what they've been through it's great to see them in a good place.

"It's amazing what good temperament they have considering what they've gone through.

"The conditions those inspectors found out there were really horrific."

But it could be several months before the other animals, which included 10 cats, were available for re-homing if the owner chose to fight for custody in court.

"The owner agreed to surrender some to us and he will decide if he wants to fight for them in the courts," RSPCA's Michael Beatty said.

"By the time the courts finish with a matter, that could take months.

"The way things stand a case can drag on for a year and a half, and all that time we have to pay about $25 a day to care for the animals with no support except donations."

To inquire about adopting the dogs, go to www.rspca.org.au.