The RSPCA said cases of large numbers of animals being kept at one address could be linked to mental health struggles, the cost of living crisis, or breeders operating with poor practices.
In this instance, the charity said in a statement on Wednesday it would not pursue prosecution due to “extremely vulnerable nature” of the owners.
The RSPCA said a “shocking” image taken by a rescuer – showing dozens of the dogs crammed into a living room – was not generated by AI, in response to dozens of comments on social media suggesting it was fake.
The photo illustrates the “staggering reality” of the multi-animal incidents dealt with by the RSPCA, which have increased by 70% in England and Wales since 2021, the animal welfare charity said.
The dogs were all poodle-cross, also known as “doodles”. These types of dogs have risen in popularity in recent years, making up the top three types of crossbreeds owned by dog owners, according to a 2025 survey by the Dogs Trust.
In November, the RSPCA reported rescuing 80 dogs, mostly chihuahuas, pomeranians and cross-breeds, from a house in Bedfordshire.