Blind Jemma's story

Almost nine years ago, hundreds of dogs were rescued from a puppy farm at Wondai. It was one of the largest seizures of pets the RSPCA had encountered.

In September 2009, 244 dogs were seized from a property at Wondai (about 100 kilometres west of Gympie) by Biosecurity Queensland. It took around three days to transport all of the dogs into the then RSPCA shelter at Fairfield.

The months ahead proved to be some of the toughest faced by RSPCA Queensland. Five of the incoming dogs needed emergency veterinary treatment, two died. It was costing almost $5,000 each day to care for the puppy farm dogs.

Here are just some of the pets rescued from the property at Wondai. Some of them required ongoing veterinary treatment for poor health; eyesight, dental problems, hip issues and skin allergies. Some also needed confidence building and socialisation. 

Most of the puppy farm dogs were placed into foster care homes straight away while the case was under investigation.

This is how Tracey Wickham first came across Jemma the miniature poodle. As a swimming world champion and gold medallist, Tracey is no stranger to highs and lows. Outside of her incredible career, life has been testing for Tracey. Her little Wondai dog Jemma, was there to help her through the tough times.

Little blind Jemma was in need of TLC when she was rescued

Now, with her puppy farm days well behind her, Jemma is living a happy life with Tracey at nearly 13 years of age.

Even today our RSPCA Inspectorate sees cases just like the Wondai property. Animal cruelty and neglect is still very much present in society. You can help by reporting animal welfare concerns to the RSPCA via 1300 ANIMAL or online.

If you are looking for a companion, consider adoption. Our Smart Puppy Buyers Guide and Smart Kitten Buyers Guide is a great tool to help you find a pet suitable to your lifestyle and avoid unscrupulous breeders.  

What penalties were imposed on the Wondai property owners?

Ruth Schloss, 55, pleaded guilty to one charge of cruelty to animals, one charge of breaching her duty of care to animals and one charge of failing to comply with an animal welfare direction without reasonable excuse. Ruth Schloss was fined a total of $9,000 and ordered to pay $10,000 compensation, no convictions were recorded and a prohibition order was made that she not acquire any dog for a year or more than three dogs for two years.

Kenneth Schloss, 63, pleaded guilty to one charge of cruelty to animals and one charge of breaching his duty of care to animals. Kenneth Schloss was fined a total of $6,000 and ordered to pay $10,000 compensation. No convictions were recorded and similar prohibition orders were made against him.

The prosecution appealed against the leniency of the original sentence. District Court Judge Bradley noted, “This is a case of disturbing cruelty to animals, the couple grossly breached their duty of care. The conditions demonstrated on the video are most concerning, and the evidence of the suffering of particular dogs is distressing.” However after examining the couple's finances and the Magistrate's reasons, her Honour found that the penalties were not manifestly inadequate, and dismissed the appeal to increase the penalties.