Spaniels rescued in 'worst case seen in years'

Some of the rescued dogs are being looked after by the RSPCA in Hull

RSPCA branches have joined forces to take in more than 80 dogs that were found living in squalor.

Five springer spaniels are being rehabilitated in Hull, with the team there describing it as the worst case they have seen in a long time.

Fred Owen, chief executive of the branch, said: "We will be working hard to rehabilitate them to trust humans again."

The Hull branch has received "dozens of donations" towards helping the dogs recover.

Fred Owen: "To think people in the community still commit crimes against poor defenceless animals is heartbreaking"

The RSPCA said the dogs arrived at the kennels "covered in their own faeces, riddled with disease".

But of the response, Mr Owen said: "It's been absolutely awesome. The community has rallied round and we've had over 31,000 hits on our social media, and thousands of pounds-worth of donations to help us to give them the best future.

"We've seen people from far away wanting to buy food and bring it here for the dogs, [and] local businesses doing the same."

South Yorkshire Police said an investigation was ongoing.

In a statement, the force said: "Dog legislation officers and the RSPCA entered the property and were immediately taken aback by the smell, the conditions and the volume of animals living inside.

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