Rescuers were left ‘shocked and horrified’ after finding 96 dogs in a single house, who were terrified of people and infested with fleas.
The animals were mainly shih tzus, and all of them had fur so badly matted with faeces that they could not walk properly.
Their skin was burnt with urine and the dogs had been bitten so often by fleas they had scratched themselves continually until they bled from skin sores.
The youngest appeared to be less than a couple of weeks old, and many of the females were pregnant.
Their sad situation is suspected to be related to puppy farming – where multiple dogs are continually bred in poor conditions and the puppies sold – although this has not been confirmed.
The dogs were rescued from a house in Torquay, Devon, and are now being looked after by Margaret Green Animal Rescue, who were called in by the RSPCA.
But the sheer number of the the dogs and the treatment they require is putting the charity under strain, with a vet bill alone estimated at least £15,000.
One of the dogs has already had to have an eye removed and another needs surgery for cataracts.
‘We were already full to capacity before we stepped in to provide care for these latest victims of puppy farming, so this unexpected intake of dogs is having a huge impact upon our resources,’ a spokesperson for the charity said.
The RSPCA initially responded to the home, and then asked for help when the dogs were surrounded by the owner.
Hopefully, in future the dogs will be able to be rehomed. But for now, they are recovering from their ordeal and getting used to being around friendly humans.
‘They were terrified and under-socialised, and it is unlikely they had ever left the house, even to toilet,’ a Margaret Green spokesperson said.
They added the dogs’ fur was ‘filled with old faeces and their skin was burnt with urine’.
Other medical problems include hernias, dental problems, skin issues and breathing problems.
Niki Ging, manager of the Devon rehoming centre, said: ‘This is a dreadful situation for these adorable little dogs. The road to their physical and emotional recovery will be long, but our dedicated staff and volunteers are relieved we’re able to provide the first acts of care and comfort that these innocent animals will have known.’
The dogs are said to be extremely fearful of people and tremble when they are approached. Rescue centre staff have been taking them outside, and the dogs are now starting to relax enough to start to explore their surroundings.
Margaret Green Animal Rescue receives no government funding and relies on donations for support. It has launched an appeal for funds to go towards the cost of treatment and rehabilitation for the dogs on its website.
Other dogs have been taken in by Woodside Animal Welfare Trust near Plympton, The Gables Cats and Dogs Home at Plymouth, and the RSPCA Cornwall branch.
The RSPCA said its rescue teams ‘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.
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