THE RSPCA has contacted a former greyhound trainer in Blandford, amid allegations of mistreatment at her kennels.

The greyhound protection group, Caged Nationwide, which works to highlight the plight of greyhounds in the dog racing industry, claims kennels belonging to Eve Blanchard are being kept in a “horrific” state.

Members of the group, along with representatives from Birmingham Greyhound Protection, say they were invited to the kennels, by Ms Blanchard, earlier this month after concerns for greyhound welfare were raised.

Rita James, of Caged Nationwide, told the Echo: “We contacted Eve to tell her we’d received complaints about the condition of her dogs and their living area. We had been sent photographs. Eve invited us in, after we suggested making the photographs public, as she claimed she had nothing to hide.”

Ms James claimed her team found the kennels were in poor condition.

After the allegations began circulating on social media, the RSPCA tweeted that they had “spoken to the owner to establish what has happened.”

A later RSPCA statement to the Echo explained: “The RSPCA will always look into and, if necessary, investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect.

“We always try to work with owners to improve conditions for animals and will give advice and offer support to any elderly or vulnerable owners or anyone struggling to cope with their pets.

“Unfortunately we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken. We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future prosecution or could lead us to being fined.

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”

Eve Blanchard was unavailable for comment when the Echo tried to contact her.

In 2009, when Ms Blanchard was a licensed trainer, we reported how the Greyhound Board of Great Britain had confirmed it was working with her on “remedial, specific improvement work” to ensure her kennels were up to standard.

At that time the RSPCA said it had made numerous visits to the kennels and continued monitoring them. The animal charity also said one of its inspectors had found no problems with the condition of the dogs or hygiene at that time.