A picture of hundreds of dogs rescued from a property has proved so shocking that the RSPCA has been forced to confirm the picture is real and not generated by artificial intelligence.
Earlier this year, more than 250 poodle-cross dogs were found at the same property.
A number of the dogs are being cared for at the RSCPA Block Fen animal centre in Cambridgeshire and at the Eau Brink Rehoming Centre in Tilney All Saints near King’s Lynn.
But the RSPCA said that after posting the picture on social media, it caused such disbelief that some members of the public “incorrectly suggested it could be fake.”
The charity said it had to respond to dozens of comments from the public.RSPCA Supt Jo Hirst said: “This shocking image is the reality of many multi-animal cases, and the situation our frontline officers seem to be confronting more and more – with reports of cases involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals on the rise.
“We understand that people are so aghast they don’t believe what they are seeing. But this photo is not AI – it’s real. “This is the staggering reality of what can happen when even well-meaning owners become overwhelmed – over-breeding can take over, and conditions can spiral out of control.”
Other animals at Block Fen rescued from multi-animal situations include this German Shepherd named Wukkie Credit: RSPCA
Last year the charity responded to 4,200 incidents which involved at least 10 animals at the same address across England and Wales – including 504 in the east of England.
As a result, the RSPCA is calling for more people in the east to consider adopting a pet from one of its animal centres – with the number of nationwide incidents involving 10 or more animals increasing nearly 70% in four years.Cases of large numbers of animals being kept at one address can be linked to mental health struggles, the cost of living crisis, or breeders operating with poor practices, according to the charity.
“We are struggling with rising reports of cruelty and neglect and over recent years more and more of those reports will involve, 10, 20, even 100 animals. And because they’ve been living in large groups, they may need more support until they are ready to find a new home, ” said RSPCA Supt Jo Hirst.
“We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres. These large animal rescues are adding to already overwhelmed animal centres and local charities.
“We really need help from animal lovers. If you are considering adding a pet to your home, please consider rescuing. We need extra special homes for some of our animals.”
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