14 dogs rescued by RSPCA from ‘squalid’ Whitby home

The RSPCA has launched an appeal to raise money to treat 12 of the “adorable” dogs which are being looked after at the charity’s branch in Landing Lane, York.

They were found locked in kennels at a property in Whitby last month after the RSPCA said it was called to the home by police.

One of the 14 dogs was cared for by a veterinary nurse but has since died. Another dog is being cared for by another RSPCA branch.

Fleet before and after being treated by the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

Four of the dogs – including a Cocker Spaniel mum and son, Shelties, Collies, a lurcher and a Labrador cross – had to be hospitalised overnight and needed intravenous fluids for 24 hours.

Several of the dogs were also “severely matted in faeces and urine and had to be clipped”, the RSPCA said.

Seventeen birds – a mix of finches, parrots and budgerigars – were also found at the house where conditions were described by rescuers as “extremely challenging”.

The birds are now being looked after at a private boarding facility on behalf of the RSPCA where they are doing well, the charity said.

Patch who was rescued from the Whitby home (Image: RSPCA)

Jerry who was rescued from the Whitby home (Image: RSPCA)

RSPCA animal rescue officer Mollie Masters, one of four officers from the charity who spent hours on the scene, said: “The dogs were found in the house and in various kennels and crates outside.

“The conditions on site were squalid and extremely challenging and many of the dogs were understandably nervous, so we had to work slowly and patiently with them.

“It was a very sad set of circumstances but we’re really pleased we’ve been able to help these animals and the team at York are doing a fantastic job getting the dogs back to good health so they can go on to find loving new homes.”

She said it was an “upsetting incident for us to deal with”, adding: “I’d like to thank the police and the vet who assisted us.”

Snowy who was rescued from the Whitby home (Image: RSPCA)

Jock who was rescued from the Whitby home (Image: RSPCA)

Animal welfare supervisor Marie Sandall, from the RSPCA’s York Branch, said the animals are “very special dogs who have stolen our hearts already”.

“They are all making great progress and putting on weight nicely. Initially they were placed on five tiny meals a day and to see them gobble their food in seconds broke our hearts.

“There are a couple of older ones who, despite everything, are also doing well, and we’re hopeful we’ll be able to put them up for adoption very soon.

“They were all very thin, matted and covered in faeces and urine and had to have a lot of veterinary treatment, including blood tests and dental work. Some of them will also need to be neutered prior to being rehomed.”

Paul who was rescued from the Whitby home (Image: RSPCA)

Marie said that as a self-funded charity, the costs of caring for the dogs are “beginning to mount up for us”.

“We’re appealing to our supporters, who are always so wonderful in these situations, to donate to our fundraising appeal to help us cover the significant veterinary costs and the dogs’ ongoing care.

“They are all absolutely adorable and we can honestly not believe how loving they are considering what they have been through. 

“One thing is certain, they can now look forward to a brighter future and we can’t wait to see them in their new homes.” 

To donate to the appeal, visit the Friends of RSPCA York Animals Home Facebook page.