Headington derelict flat of abandoned dogs reclaimed

The RSPCA safely removed all the animals for health checks and rehoming

An abandoned flat from which 12 dogs had to be rescued has been reclaimed.

The discovery last year in Headington, Oxford, sparked an anti-social behaviour investigation led by Oxford City Council.

Neighbours told the authority about the trapped animals and alerted them to the smell that was coming from the building.

The RSPCA safely removed all the animals for health checks and rehoming. Six have been rehomed.

A rabbit and a chameleon were also rescued from the property, which the council obtained a warrant to get into following the complaints.

Neighbours complained of the smell coming from the premises

Though it had been officially occupied, the previous tenant had moved out "to turn it into a makeshift kennel," the council previously explained.

Neighbours said someone then visited once a week to put down dry food.

But the council said its teams "discovered the animals living in squalor, with limited access to food and no opportunity for exercise or outdoor access".

The council's housing team is arranging a deep clean of the premises

Mark Lygo, cabinet member for inclusive and safer communities, said: "This operation not only saved numerous animals from severe neglect but has underscored our commitment to community safety.

"We will continue to work diligently to ensure such situations are addressed promptly and that all community members, including animals, are treated with the care and respect they deserve."

The council's housing team is arranging a deep clean before the property can be returned to its housing list for new tenants.

A criminal investigation is under way.

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