Animal rescue: 50 cats, dogs and tortoises seized

Dogs, puppies, a cat and kittens, and five tortoises were surrendered

More than 50 animals have been taken from an animal rescue centre during a raid by police and other agencies.

Dogs, puppies, a cat and kittens, and five tortoises were surrendered under animal welfare laws at CAARS animal rescue in Essington near Wolverhampton, officers said.

After police earlier described the conditions as “appalling”, the BBC tried to contact the centre but with no response.

Tuesday’s raid was carried out by Staffordshire Police with council, veterinary, RSPCA and dog handling teams. South Staffordshire Council is leading an investigation.

A social media post by police described conditions as appalling

All the animals were checked by vets and were being taken to approved, licensed kennels including Birmingham Dogs Home.

The police Facebook post said: “Hopefully they’ll warm up and be looked after properly from now on – and maybe even find their forever homes.”

The force said 34 dogs, 19 puppies, one cat, five kittens and five tortoises were surrendered under animal welfare legislation and were being looked after at alternative locations.

The action was prompted by multiple complaints alleging potential illegal activities relating to animal welfare and licensing concerns, officers said.

A council spokesman said complaints were received about dogs and cats reportedly living in squalid conditions, triggering a coordinated investigation.

An investigation was ongoing, the council added, and the authority was unable to comment further until an outcome was reached.

Members of the public had raised concerns before the raid took place

Councillor Rita Heseltine, cabinet member for regulatory services at the district council thanked members of the public for coming forward.

She said: “We are committed to investigating issues related to licensing and animal welfare fully and taking action where necessary to protect animals.”

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering and urge anyone with concerns about the welfare of an animal to report them to the relevant authorities.”

Sgt Craig Beardsley, from the county’s proactive and rural crime team, said: “We’re determined to continue working with our local partners in Staffordshire to tackle the issues affecting rural communities the most.

“Only by working together can we continue to take action.”

Animals have been taken to other locations across the region