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'Grotesque’ scenes as burnt, frozen dogs found at Sydney property

WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT: A former dog breeder from Sydney's northwest has been found guilty of animal cruelty after officers found five dead dogs in freezers and other charred remains on his property.

RSPCA NSW and police found the partially burnt remains of a dog in a fire pit and pools of blood and bodily fluids in a kennel.

Eighteen dogs were found to be suffering from potentially life-threatening conditions during the March 2016 inspection of the property of Todd Baker, 41, that had previously been used by Herizon Kennels to breed dogs, the RSPCA said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Dogs presented with severe and painful medical conditions including burnt testicles, a dead fly imbedded in an infected ear canal, ulcers and open wounds and variety of serious veterinary conditions," the RSCPA said.

The remains of one burnt dog was found in a fire pit on the Vineyard property. Source: RSPCA

One female was found in a bathroom with no water or bedding. Source: RSPCA

"Dogs were also found emaciated, without any food, water or shelter. Several deceased dogs were found in freezers, and a partially burned dog was found in full view of the remaining dogs."

The RSPCA said an inspection found 18 dogs on the property had been kept in pens without shelter from the elements, while most were left with undrinkable water that had turned green.

A heavy chain restrained one female Rottweiler that had no access to food, water or shelter, the RSPCA said.

One animal suffereing fly bite. Source: RSPCA

One of the dogs was found with discharge around its eyes. Source: RSPCA

Most dogs had no beds or padding to lie on, only concrete floors that the animals were forced to used as toilets, leaving them covered in faeces and urine that gave off a strong smell that attracted flies and insects, the RSPCA said.

One kennel floor was covered in stains, said to be dried blood and various bodily fluids.

One kennel floor was said to be covered in blood stains and other bodily fluids. Source: RSPCA

A pressure sore on one dog's hind leg. Source: RSPCA

Two dogs' remains were found in one freezer. Source: RSPCA

The burnt dog's carcass was left in full view of many of the living canines' pens, the RSPCA said.

Baker claimed the dead dogs were killed in attacks from other dogs or had succumb to old age, the RSPCA said.

None were treated by vets, Baker said.

A number of carcasses were found in another freezer. Source: RSPCA

The dogs were kept in cruel conditions. Source: RSPCA

Baker intended to use professionals to cremate the animals, but decided to use a backyard fire pit once the freezer was full, the RSPCA said.

"The mind boggles how someone that has a history of breeding for profit could let so many dogs get in such horrendous conditions. Every single dog had serious health problems – some of them truly grotesque and heartbreaking, RSPCA NSW Inspector James Arentz said.

Female American Staffordshire terrier suffering sores. Source: RSPCA

Their water was undrinkable. Source: RSPCA

Baker was convicted of 15 counts of animal cruelty in Penrith Local Court last week and sentenced to a three-year good behaviour bond, prohibited from owning animals for 10 years and ordered to pay more than $80,000 in costs.

The living dogs have been undergoing rehabilitation therapy with the first of many recently finding new homes.