More than 80 dogs rescued from 'squalid' house

More than 80 dogs living in "squalid conditions" in a house in Doncaster have been rescued.

The animals, along with two cats and a chicken, were surrounded by "faeces and filth" after police officers and the RSPCA entered the property in Tickhill earlier.

In total there were 78 springer spaniels as well as four other breed of dog, South Yorkshire Police said.

The force said the animals had been taken into kennels and an investigation was ongoing to find those responsible.

A spokesperson said when the team entered the derelict house, they were "immediately taken aback by the smell, the conditions and the volume of animals living inside".

They added: "Working their way around the property, the team were met with faeces, filth and round every corner and room, more dogs."

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said: "Effective teamwork and strong partnerships between us, the RPSCA and Doncaster 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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