Over 90 abandoned small breed 'designer' dogs, ranging from one week to 12-years-old have been rescued by the RSCPA from a house. The neglected animals were reportedly found to be infested with fleas and worms, extremely malnourished, suffering from open sores and their fur matted with faeces and urine, Devon Live reports.
The dogs are believed to have been dumped at the building in Torquay last week by their owner and are now being rehabilitated by rescue teams across Devon and Cornwall . Staff at one centre have said they are desperately trying to keep one puppy alive and that the mothering dogs have lost their strength after birthing and attending to ''litter after litter''.
The RSCPA said their staff have ''worked with the owner to help more than 90 dogs." A spokesperson added: "Thanks to the dedication and kindness of a number of animal rescue centres, the dogs are now receiving care and attention from dedicated staff and volunteers, and once they are ready they will be rehomed.
The animal welfare charity has seen an increase in rescued animals coming into care, with many of our centres already full and others close to capacity. At the same time, rehoming is slowing down and there are signs that more people are looking to give up their pets.
There have been allegations that dogs were being bred for sale at the house, but that has not been confirmed by the RSPCA. Six shih-tzus from the house, ranging in age from six months to around eight years, are being cared for by Woodside Animal Welfare Trust at its shelter near Plympton in Devon.
Deputy manager Lisa Darcy said: “Several have problems with their eyes, we are hoping that is something we can work with, but there is a chance an eye removal can happen.” The ones with matted coats have been clipped so they can move more easily, and their health problems are being dealt with by a vet at an on-site clinic.
Staff at the centre are also working with the animals to assess their needs, including lack of socialisation. Ms Darcy said: “No matter how long you have worked in rescue, you are always shocked when you see an animal that has not been well cared for.
''There is the initial shock, then we focus on what we can do to help them. It is totally frustrating and heart-breaking.”
The Gables Cats and Dogs Home at Plymouth has taken in 23 of the dogs, and estimates the vet care will cost the charity more than £5,000.It's said the mix of ‘designer’ breeds from one week to 12 years old had been living in “terrible conditions”.
They were suffering from overgrown claws, flea and worm infestations, and severe malnutrition. A spokesperson said: “On arrival with us most of the dogs were extremely matted and covered in their own faeces as well as suffering from ammonia burns on their skin from living in their own urine.
''The tight mats have made it difficult for the dogs to move about and go to the toilet as well as causing incredibly sore spots on their skin. The huge flea burden has resulted in some of the dogs constantly scratching, leaving them with open sores from the self-inflicted wounds.
''The mothers of the puppies have been struggling to keep up with the demand of having to continually nurse litter after litter in these conditions. It is feared that it may already be too late for the weakest of the little puppies, but we are doing everything we possibly can to keep the puppy alive.
''We have also started supplementing all the puppies' diets with specialist puppy milk to give them the best chance of survival, while their emaciated mothers start to build up their own strength.” Deputy manager Ruth Rickard described the situation as "truly heart-breaking."
Eleven of the dogs, said to be terrified of people, have been taken in by the RSPCA Cornwall branch. A spokesperson said: “Our hearts are breaking for these dogs, but we're determined to give them the future that they deserve.”
Emily Bowen, from RSPCA Cornwall branch, described some of the challenges the team is facing. She said: “For the last 18 months we have seen a huge influx of animals from multi animal households, which is having an impact on our ability to help more animals.
''This includes those animals on the waiting list, which includes people who can not afford for their pets and want to give them up.” She said the cost of living has already had an impact and appealed to animal lovers to help support animal charities working tirelessly to support animals in need.
She added: “We would like to also appeal for foster homes with people that have no other pets or children, especially to help care for the influx of pregnant or whelping dogs we are now regularly getting, as well as hand rearing kittens and animals with behavioural or medical needs.” The RSPCA says is trying to help people - and animals - in need, while also facing struggles of rising energy bills across centres.
There is more information on the charity’s Cost of Living webpage , including information about the pet food bank scheme and advice and support for owners who are worried about how they will afford vet bills. More information on rehoming and fostering can be found on the RSPCA Find-a-pet page .
The animal rescue centres are appealing for funds to help pay for the care needed by the dogs. More information about support and rehoming is available on the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust website and Facebook page, and for Gables Dogs and Cats Home on its website or Facebook page.
he RSPCA Cornwall branch, which receives no funding from the RSPCA, says on its Facebook page people can text 'RSPCA' to '70580' to donate £5 or donate via Just Giving .
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