Appeal over dogs found in 'squalid' conditions

A fundraising appeal has been launched to help a group of dogs who were rescued from "squalid" conditions at a house in North Yorkshire following the death of their owner.

After being alerted by police last month, RSPCA animal rescue officers found a total of 14 dogs locked in kennels at the property in Whitby.

Twelve of the rescued dogs had since been looked after at the charity's centre on Landing Lane in York and their condition had greatly improved after weeks of rehabilitation, the RSPCA said.

A spokesperson for the charity's York, Harrogate & District Branch said nearly £1,500 had been raised in just a few days to help fund treatment for the group of "very special dogs".

The spokesperson said that as well as the dogs - which included a cocker spaniel mum and son, Shelties, collies, a lurcher and a labrador cross - 17 birds were also found at the house, where conditions were found by rescuers to be "extremely challenging".

When they were discovered, a number of the dogs were severely matted with faeces and urine, while four of those rescued had to be treated at an animal hospital overnight, receiving 24 hours of intravenous fluids, according to the RSPCA.

Animal rescue officer Mollie Masters said: "The dogs were found in the house and in various kennels and crates outside. The conditions on site were squalid.

"Many of the dogs were understandably nervous, so we had to work slowly and patiently with them.

"It was a very sad set of circumstances, but we're really pleased we've been able to help these animals and the team at York are doing a fantastic job getting the dogs back to good health so they can go on to find loving new homes.

"This was a large and upsetting incident for us to deal with and I'd like to thank the police and the vet who assisted us at the location to ensure we were able to get the animals off site and transported to get the care they needed as quickly as possible."

One of the 14 dogs was cared for by a veterinary nurse, but had since died, the RSPCA spokesperson said.

The remaining member of the rescued group was being cared for by staff at another branch of the charity.

Marie Sandall, animal welfare supervisor at the RSPCA York Branch, said: "They're a group of very special dogs who have stolen our hearts already.

"They are all making great progress and putting on weight nicely. Initially they were placed on five tiny meals a day and to see them gobble their meals in seconds broke our hearts.

"There are a couple of older ones who, despite everything, are also doing well, and we're hopeful we'll be able to put them up for adoption very soon."

According to the RSPCA, the money raised by the fundraising appeal would go towards veterinary treatment, including blood tests, dental work, and neutering.

Sandall said the self-funded charity needed help from its supporters in order to cover the mounting costs of ongoing animal care.

"They are all absolutely adorable and we can honestly not believe how loving they are considering what they have been through," she said.

"One thing is certain, they can now look forward to a brighter future and we can't wait to see them in their new homes."

The RSPCA said the group of finches, parrots and budgerigars which were also found at the property were also doing well and were being looked after at a private boarding facility.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.