60 dogs seized from Cannock house to be rehomed next month

On Friday, Cannock Chase Council was granted an order at Cannock Magistrates’ Court to take ownership of the dogs that were seized on October 7 under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The dogs, a mixture of Chihuahuas, German Shepherds and a Bullmastiff, were seized as they were suffering or likely to suffer if their circumstances did not change.

One of the council’s environmental health officers described the odour inside the property, from urine and faeces, as “amongst the worst I have endured”.

He said “the floors within the house were littered with faeces and the noise from the dogs barking made it difficult to communicate with the owners.”

The magistrates heard that the house was being used for the breeding and sale of dogs, and that the council had so far linked online adverts for puppies with a total value of more than £100,000 since March 2017.

Councillor John Preece, portfolio leader for environment said: “I am not surprised that the magistrates have granted the order.

"The conditions encountered at the property left officers with no alternative other than to seize the dogs to protect them from further suffering.

“The council takes its animal welfare responsibilities very seriously and if officers find dogs or any other animals in such extreme conditions, their owners can expect to face robust enforcement action.”

The council is now required to keep the dogs for a period of 21 days.

After that, the dogs will be available for rehoming through a charity.

For information about opportunities to rehome these dogs, contact the council after November 1 on 01543 462621.