A multi-animal welfare image is so shocking that it was thought to be generated by AI

The animal welfare charity has seen a 70% rise in multi-animal incidents across England and Wales since 2021, referring to calls involving 10 or more animals.

And one image that shows the "staggering reality" of some of these calls is so shocking that some members of the public thought it had been developed with AI after being posted to the charity's social media pages. 

Cases of large numbers of animals being kept at one address can be linked to mental health struggles, the cost of living crisis, or breeders operating with poor practices. RSPCA experts say that even initially well-meaning individuals often see situations spiral out of control.

Earlier this year, more than 250 poodle-cross dogs were found at the same property. The numbers and living conditions of the dogs had rapidly grown out of control amid extenuating family circumstances. The RSPCA took in 87 dogs - and the rest went to the Dogs Trust.

But the scenes that met RSPCA officers when they came to the aid of the dogs - with dozens crammed into a living room space - has caused such disbelief among the general public after being posted to social media that people have incorrectly suggested it could be fake. The charity has had to respond to dozens of comments from members of the public.

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: "This shocking image is the reality of many multi-animal cases, and the situation our frontline officers seem to be confronting more and more - with reports of cases involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals on the rise. 

"We understand that people are so aghast they don't believe what they are seeing. But this photo is not AI - it's real. This is the staggering reality of what can happen when even well-meaning owners become overwhelmed - over-breeding can take over, and conditions can spiral out of control."

Last year, the charity responded to 4,200 incidents which involved at least 10 animals at the same address across England and Wales. And rising cruelty and neglect have caused a six-year high of animals in RSPCA care, with almost half in emergency boarding because many of the charity's centres are full to bursting point.

Many of these animals have been rescued from heartbreaking cruelty and neglect and require extensive care and rehabilitation before they can be rehomed. Meanwhile, many are part of legal proceedings, which can delay rehoming further. 

That's why the RSPCA is urging people considering adding a pet to their family to adopt to help free up space in their overwhelmed centres and ease the pressure caused by so many multi-animal cases.

Jo added, "We urgently need to find suitable homes for countless animals in our care. Adopting from one of our centres or branches can be so rewarding - and we'd urge anyone in a position to add a rescue pet to their family to check out our dedicated Find a Pet web pages."

Two of the dogs who were among the 250 found in the recent multi-animal rescue are Stevie and Sandy - both looking for forever homes out of the RSPCA's Southridge Animal Centre.

Cream-coloured cocker spaniel Stevie is blind and deaf - and needs to be rehomed alongside Sandy, who has become her guide. Their new family will need to understand Stevie's needs and help her navigate life safely. A secure, private garden is essential as neither dog has been walked on a lead before. But with the right support, Stevie will enjoy a happy, fulfilled life and RSPCA staff have been truly impressed by her adaptability.

The pair recently had a VIP visitor when reality television star, radioDJ and RSPCA Ambassador Kate Lawler visited Southridge.

She said: "Stevie is such a brave and beautiful dog - and I really hope she and Sandy find the perfect home together. It's just amazing the way Sandy helps look after Stevie. 

"I was so taken with their story and the unbelievable situation they were rescued from. It's a reminder of the dangers of multi-animal households when things aren't kept under control, but I am so relieved that so many of the animals will get a second chance at forever home happiness."

The charity is raising funds for its Spring Cash Appeal to support its frontline rescuers, who are dealing with an increasing number of multi-animal cases.