Animal charities are appealing for urgent donations after taking in more than 80 dogs from a house of horrors. One rescue boss described it as “one of the worst cases of cruelty” they’d ever seen and are now in need of help to pay for the medication and food needed.
The 78 Springer Spaniels, four other breeds, two cats and a chicken, were taken to safety after being rescued from a detached £500,000 house on the outskirts of Tickhill, in the countryside. Officers were immediately taken back by the smell of ‘faeces and filthy’, conditions and the volume of animals living inside finding dogs living around every corner. The dogs were terrified of their rescuers, hiding under furniture.
The Hull and East Riding Branch, which is locally funded, took in 12 of the puppies and are now “bursting with dogs”.
Their Chief Executive, Frederick Owen said: “I’ve witnessed many heartbreaking cases, but the recent rescue of 80 spaniels from unimaginable conditions in Doncaster has shaken me to my core.
“Four of these vulnerable puppies and one young adult are now in our care, arriving malnourished, covered in filth, and too afraid to trust. This is without doubt one of the worst cases of cruelty I have ever seen.
“It’s going to take months of dedicated care to heal not just their physical injuries but the emotional scars they carry. Much like children recovering from trauma, their mental health has been deeply affected. But I am determined to see them thrive – and I know, with the love and support of our incredible community, we can make it happen.”
The South Yorkshire branch of the charity, are also asking for donations and said “one little lady’ needed major surgery but was doing really well.
“We have a precious little girl who is desperate for our cuddles but is just too scared and confused right now…we still have a long road ahead, requiring a great deal of tender loving care, treatment, and rehabilitation for these vulnerable animals.”
The RSPCA acted after locals complained of the smell coming from the £500,000 home. It is believed an elderly couple lived upstairs and the dog downstairs.
One animal lover, Patricia Clifford, reacted: “That house looks like something out of a horror movie.”
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said after last Thursday’s rescue: “Effective teamwork and strong partnerships between us, the RSPCA and Doncaster City Council allowed us to act on community intelligence that a property was being used to house animals and obtain an emergency warrant from the courts.
“This is not responsible dog ownership; this is cruelty and I am pleased we have been able to intervene and ensure that these dogs receive the care they deserve and hopefully have a bright future ahead of them.”
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