RSPCA rescues 45 dogs from ‘out of control’ conditions on farm

The RSPCA has rescued 45 dogs who were living in dire conditions on a farm in west Wales.

The animal rescue service was made aware that the dogs were being kept at the dilapidated property.

Officers went to the site on four separate occasions last month to help the dogs, which included breeds like huntaways, German shepherds and collies.

In a statement, the RSPCA said the sheer number meant the owner was struggling to meet their basic needs.

Read: South Korea to 'give free COVID tests to cats and dogs' as owners told to quarantine infected pets

The conditions the animals were subjected to included a lack of shelter, poor diet and a lack of parasite control which was “all of immediate concern to RSPCA inspectors Gemma Copper and Julie Fadden”, the statement added.

Some of the dogs, which were aged between the ages of 11 weeks and 10 years of age, were puppies born as a consequence of breeding.

The RSPCA said the owner accepted that the conditions were “completely out of control” and all 45 dogs could be signed into the rescue service’s care.

The dogs have been homed in a number of centres like Newport, Bryn-Y-Maen in Upper Colwyn Ban, Gonsal Farm, Newbrook, West Hatch and Llys Nini.

Some have also gone into the care of the Dogs Trust charity while others, like a puppy named Maggie, have found a new home already.

However, the RSPCA said many face a period of rehabilitation before the organisation can start to search for a new forever home.

Watch: RSPCA Rescues Animals From Flooded House in Warrington

Despite the lockdown restrictions, the RSPCA is still rehoming animals through COVID-secure processes that include virtual adoption and animal deliveries.

RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper said: “These poor dogs were kept in inappropriate conditions at a dilapidated farm building in Ceredigion.

“Thankfully, the owner worked with us and we were able to get these dogs out of this setting and into a number of different animal centres. We’re so proud we were able to rescue these dogs.

“Some pups have already found new homes – but many of the dogs face a period of rehabilitation and care to get them ready for rehoming.

“We’d urge anyone interested in these beautiful dogs to keep a close eye on the RSPCA’s Find a Pet website.

“People keeping three breeding bitches on a premises – and breeding from those dogs three or more litters of puppies in a 12-month period – require a licence from the local authority – even if they aren’t advertising those dogs for sale.

Read more

Nun, 116, who is Europe's oldest person recovers from COVID

Lockdown easing plan to reopen pubs without serving alcohol branded 'ridiculous'

“It’s so important to get dogs neutered to avoid unwanted litters – and, sadly, this incident was a reminder as to how quickly things can get out of hand. The situation had just got completely out of control.

“Fortunately, we were able to work with the owner to get these dogs into animal centres as they start their rehoming journeys.”

Anyone who may be able to offer a home to these dogs has been urged to keep an eye on the RSPCA’s Find a Pet website to see when they become available or they can donate to the charity online.

Watch: Animal antics: The RSPCA's top rescues of 2020