When the RSPCA learned of a dog with an untreated broken leg, they went out to the family’s home near Doncaster, England, to investigate. No one answered, but based on the condition of the house, the rescuers realized the situation might be more dire
than they originally thought.
After getting a warrant and organizing a team, the RSPCA and local police officers went back to the house, made their way inside — and were greeted by 84 spaniels in terrible condition, waiting for someone to help them.
“The door into the kitchen was opened, and we were met with 20 to 25 springer spaniels, some huddled in the corners, others running around,” Kristy Ludlam, an inspector with the RSPCA, said in written evidence for the court. “I walked around the corner to the bottom of the stairs and was met by dogs on every step. There were approximately 33 springer spaniels crowding the stairs, barking and staring at me.”
Many of the dogs lined up on the stairs were nervously watching the team move through the house. Everything was covered in layers of dirt and grime several inches thick. The rescuers were appalled by the conditions and knew they needed to get all of the dogs out as soon as possible.
The family, a couple and their adult son, were still in the house, and the RSPCA was able to convince them to sign all 84 dogs and two cats into the rescue’s care. They explained that the situation had gotten out of control since the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to see all of the dogs get the help they needed.
It was clear the dogs hadn’t ever been walked on a leash before, and many had to be carried out to the waiting cars. They were driven to four different veterinary practices to get checked over, and had ailments ranging from ear infections to emaciation.
The wife and son both pleaded guilty to three counts of animal welfare offences, and the husband was found guilty of three counts of animal welfare offences after a two-day trial at Barnsley Magistrates' Court that recently concluded.
All but one of the dogs have since found homes, and though it took some time for them to adjust, they’re all thriving now.
One of the dogs, Sprite, was so shut-down at first that she spent seven to eight hours a day hiding in her new family’s backyard. Slowly, she began to warm up, and now she’s loving every minute of her new life.
“It’s been a long, old haul with Sprite, but she’s worth it,” Sue Kairies, Sprite’s mom, said in a press release. “Knowing her history, we can’t believe she loves and trusts us like she does. In the last six months, she’s really started to enjoy getting attention from us, and now she craves it all the time.”
Life wasn’t easy for the animals in that home, but thanks to the RSPCA, they’ve all gotten a second chance at life.
