RSPCA rescue 80 dogs from one property

The animal welfare charity was called to a property in the county after reports suggested there were potentially 20 dogs at the location in April.

The owner told officers when they arrived, they believed there were about 40 dogs inside the home; however, the final count resulted in 80 dogs and one cat - including Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and crosses - being removed, and many of them were pregnant. All had come from two dogs who had not been neutered and breeding became out of control.

The owner, who cannot be identified, had become overwhelmed by the numbers but was worried to ask for help. The RSPCA worked closely with them; they were grateful and agreed it would be better for the dogs to go into the charity's care, where new homes could be found for them.

The story is being highlighted as part of the RSPCA's annual Adoptober rehoming drive, which runs throughout this month. Sadly, the charity is facing a rehoming crisis with record numbers of rescued dogs in care across RSPCA national animal centres and branches.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie Barnes-Wilson and her colleagues worked with the owner to remove the dogs over five days and take them to a place of safety at RSPCA rehoming centres and other charities, including Battersea, The National Animal Welfare Trust, and the Blue Cross. 

Although the dogs were well-loved - it was impossible with such large numbers for the owner to provide for their welfare. All the dogs were crammed into just three small rooms, which were dark, humid and full of ammonia and mess.

Ellie said: "The conditions the dogs were in were extremely concerning - the rooms were dark and humid. I struggled to breathe in these rooms. Our eyes would burn so much we couldn't open them."

"Almost all the dogs were visibly suffering from ammonia burns to the front of their eyes, which were cloudy - that's how powerful it was. There were just dogs everywhere - I had found multiple week-old puppies in boxes and there were others in drawers. This person did appear to love their dogs, but they didn't ask for help when it first started to get out of control. This is when welfare standards also declined.

"What'sreally frightening is that this situation came from only two dogs - and a failure to get dogs neutered - so they had an accidental litter and the overbreeding just continued and continued.

"People may judge this situation negatively - however this is not intentional cruelty -  this is a person who became overwhelmed and didn't know how to ask for help. Colleagues had been trying to access the property for a number of months but were never granted access. We did not know what was going on behind closed doors until we were allowed inside.

"We didn't just help the dogs, we also helped the people- as they were able to start to rebuild their lives again with help from other agencies. When we finally removed the last dog, you could see the relief on the owner's face."

Many of the dogs went to RSPCA centres and branches across the country, including RSPCA Block Fen, RSPCA Southridge, RSPCA West Norfolk, RSPCA Danher Animal Home, and Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch.

Many needed treatment for the burns on their eyes. Lots of them were not used to being handled, and they needed to learn to walk on leads. Almost all had never experienced being outside and initially, this was very daunting for them.

Almost all of the dogs were nervous, didn't know how to play and found people scary, but once they overcame their shyness, their true little characters started to shine through. With the work of our fantastic behaviour team, eventually, all of the dogs blossomed. Some of the dogs were pregnant. Staff at the Hillingdon RSPCA branch took on eight dogs - and three of them gave birth.

RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch

A spokesperson for the branch said: "The RSPCA Hillingdon Branch took in eight of the dogs and three were in the late stages of pregnancy. Their body condition was okay, but they all had scarring on the eyes from the ammonia. 

"All the dogs were nervous of people and sought comfort from each other. After some time, and TLC, they started to come around and slowly we introduced them to lead walking, which they were a bit like crocodiles to start with, but with slow training, they all gained confidence and enjoyed the outside world."

Among the dogs rehomed was Stanley and his owner said: "He's amazing, bright, bold and growing each day. We love him dearly."

The owner of Sol and Luna said: "Sol is now more at ease with people, Luna is a wonderful puppy, happy to meet everyone, dogs and humans. We're very happy with them and so are they, we think!"

Roxy's owner added, "Roxy is really coming out of her shell, she's a happy little soul and has even started to play a little bit.  She brings such joy and everyone thinks she is the cutest little poppet. We are very lucky to have her."

RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, Hertfordshire

The centre took in a number of dogs, which have now found their forever homes - dogs like Mindy and Parker, who were rehomed together. As was Duffy and Vivienne who were the most nervous of the group.  Pregnant Diva gave birth to four puppies while at the centre, all of which have gone on to find their forever homes.

Emma Daggett, Animal Care Assistant at Southridge Animal Centre, said: "When they first came in, all of the dogs were very frightened and almost unhandleable. They were obviously not used to human touch and all relied on each other for comfort and to feel safe. 

"We could not take them out for walks as they needed time to decompress and get used to their new surroundings before we started exposing them to the outside world. 

"This was done slowly, little by little, so as not to overwhelm them. We used lots of positive reinforcement and took it at each individual dog's pace, but it didn't take them long to realise that there's lots of fun to be had once out on walks! 

"Soon Mindy and Parker would both jump up onto your lap, one on each knee, ready for cuddles and puppy Cheddar would love bumping into all his favourite carers while out on walks, and would jump up excitedly. 

"Duffy and Vivienne were a lot slower to trust us. We managed to get them to the point where they enjoyed spending time in our compounds and the staff spent lots of time just sitting on the floor with them, letting them come over in their own time. 

"We were not able to take them out for walks, though, and felt the next best step for them would be to get them into a patient and understanding forever home where they can really start to settle in a much quieter environment."

The owner of Mindy and Parker (who have now been renamed Coco and Diego) said, "We absolutely adore them. Their characters continue to develop. I think we are all shocked by Diego, though. He is such a gentle, quiet-natured dog and Coco is the complete opposite, jumps so high, always barking and looking for rubs, she even falls asleep if you carry her."

Suki was one of the pups born at Southridge - her new owner said: "When we first bought Suki home, she was the most confident little puppy and took to home life immediately. She was fascinated with everything from the noise of the TV to watching birds in the garden, but particularly her new, larger siblings. 

"She slotted into our family effortlessly, learning new tricks with ease and also how her siblings interacted with her in different ways, one not being interested in playing and the other loving it. She quickly started shadowing their every move, learning the do's and don'ts. We were very consistent with the basic training, and with the help of having two other dogs to copy, Suki was toilet-trained after only a few weeks. 

"Suki's confidence has only grown since being with us. She loves the outdoors, going into the office, learning new things, but most of all, playing with her brother Hunter. He's taught her the joys of sunbathing, zoomies in the garden and that food is life! She's really starting to have a mind of her own now and her personality is growing every day." 

RSPCA Danaher Animal Home - Essex

The animal home in Essex took in 12 of the dogs - whose ages ranged from eight months to four years. 

A lot of the dogs needed to learn to trust again and were all over nervous and the staff found that the majority were scared of walking on a lead. Luckily, they found them all loving homes but by the end, they really all were very very different characters who required different things.

One dog was called Trip, was very small and the most fearful. He spent lots of time with staff in their offices and when he finally found his perfect home, it was an amazing match and the team couldn't believe how comfortable he was with his new owner, even after the first meeting.

A spokesperson for the centre added: "It was absolutely heartbreaking seeing how scared and shut down these dogs were when they first came into our care. They had formed bonds in small groups between themselves and after some gentle perseverance, we finally got somewhat of a breakthrough. They became more and more confident, though they still had their struggles to overcome. In the end, we found wonderful forever homes and were so pleased to send them off to experience the love of a real home."

National Animal Welfare Trust

The team at NAWT took on three young boys and said that when they first arrived, they were traumatised, visibly shaking in fear and cowering in their beds.

A spokesperson said, " It was clear the road to recovery would be a long one. None of the dogs had ever been outside before, they'd never worn a collar, harness or lead, and they'd never met people before other than their owner. They had lived their isolated lives completely unaware of the outside world.

"To begin with, our team couldn't approach the dogs without terrifying them, so we had to take things very slowly. Even as much as entering their kennel would terrify them. So instead, we would sit quietly just outside the kennel, tossing them extra special treats, like pieces of cheese and fresh chicken, to gain their trust.

"In time, the dogs started to get gradually braver so that we could sit in the corner of their kennel, and eventually they felt comfortable enough to approach us to investigate further. It felt like a huge win when one day the bravest of the trio, Logan, took a piece of cheese from our hand!
"Over the weeks that followed, progress continued until we were finally able to get a harness and lead on them and take them out on their very first walk!

"This is just a small insight into the level of rehabilitation that is required by some of the homeless pets seeking refuge at our centres. Thankfully, a few  months later, all three of these boys have been happily rehomed and are continuing to heal whilst settled in calm and loving homes."

Logan's owner said, "He's doing great. He is such a diamond. He and Mum have so much love for each other. Mum is so much happier with Logi around; she loves dogs as much as I do. He is such a clever little dog; he's a quick learner and very intelligent. He is starting to let his big personality shine through."

Colt's new owner added, "You wouldn't believe the change in him. He walks around with his tail up now and has started having the odd bark. I think he's realising he has a voice! He is quite happy wandering around the house and garden. He just seems really settled and I'm so pleased. He seems to prefer to follow me rather than come to me, but that's not a problem. He sleeps on my bed with Albert. He's very good at night and I genuinely think he'll be a right little character as time goes on."

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home 

Laura Cushway, Animal Partnerships Manager at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: "Battersea was proud to support the RSPCA in this extraordinary rescue, taking in eight of the 80 dogs removed from the Bedfordshire property. These dogs arrived at our centre frightened, under-socialised, and in need of urgent care, but thanks to the expertise of our dedicated teams, they were given the time, space, and support to begin rebuilding their confidence. From tailored medical treatments to behavioural support, every step of their journey was guided by our commitment to giving every animal a second chance, no matter their background. We're delighted to have played a part in giving them the care they deserve to start their next chapter."

Blue Cross

Kellie Brooks, Centre Manager at pet charity Blue Cross's rehoming centre in Kimpton, Hertfordshire, said: "We're absolutely delighted that, through collaboration, we've been able to secure a brighter future for these dogs

"We took in a large number across our rehoming centres, with many arriving frightened, uncertain, and in urgent need of care.

"Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to support them and carefully matched many of them with loving new homes where they can finally feel safe, secure, and loved."

Katie Makly rehomed four-month-old Maisy from Blue Cross in Hertfordshire. She is now 10 months old.

"We picked Maisy because the team at the rehoming centre told us that she was an incredibly sweet little puppy who loved everyone and was keen to explore the world.

"When we met her, she immediately leapt into our laps to play, and we fell in love. She has settled in incredibly well, she's super inquisitive and brave even when something has initially frightened her.

"When we first brought her home, she was scared of the grass blowing in the wind, but within a couple of hours she was charging around like she owned the place, and that has been her approach to everything.

"We haven't had to tempt her much to explore the world as she loves to do it. Her favourite snack is a carrot, and she loves to curl up in our laps to eat it. She loves everyone she meets and has proven to be the best pet we could have asked for."

Ellie added: "It's just so lovely to know that incredible homes were found for all the dogs - and their puppies.

"It was such a team effort from so many people and partner agencies. I can't thank everyone enough for their help.

"Even today, when I think back - I still cannot believe what I walked into, from a routine door-knock. We had no idea it would be such a complicated job. It has been the largest-scale animal welfare operation I have faced, organised and led in my career".

"Every dog is now safe and is living their best lives in new homes, with loving owners who just adore them.

"But it wasn't just the dogs; we were also able to help this owner start to get their life back on track again.

"I think while this highlights the incredible power of organisations pulling together, it also brings home the reality of how easily things can get out of hand with animals - and why neutering is so very very important."

In 2024, the RSPCA as a whole across its centres and branches rehomed a staggering 26,167 animals. Branches are part of the RSPCA but run as charities in their own right and work incredibly hard to rehome and rehabilitate animals across England and Wales. 

But the RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting larger dogs this Adoptober, as the charity is struggling with record numbers of dogs in its care.

Getting a pet brings a lot of joy, but before committing, it's important to understand the costs. The RSPCA pet cost calculator can help you prepare. It's also important to take out a pet insurance plan so that costs related to accidents or illnesses are covered. This case also highlights the importance of neutering pets and you can find out more here.