A DORSET animal charity has helped to rescue 96 dogs from ‘disgusting conditions’ in a house in Devon.

Eleven of the dogs have now been taken in by Margaret Green Animal Rescue to their shelter in Blandford.

Staff from the charity joined forces with colleagues across the animal welfare sector in Devon to attend a property, which contained 96 dogs desperately needing help.

Upon arrival, the team discovered a scene that shocked and horrified staff, some of whom have worked in animal welfare for many decades.

Bournemouth Echo:

Lucy Hooper, fundraising and communications manager said: “The dogs are Shih Tzu type dogs, very small, absolutely terrified of everything because they've never had any exposure to anything apart from what was inside the property.

"The property itself was really really bad, our centre manager who works in Devon has been in animal welfare for over 30 years and it was the worst thing she’s ever seen.

"She had to put Vicks up her nose just so she could not vomit going in there so goodness knows how the dogs felt.

"The dogs have got a myriad of health problems, lots of respiratory problems from the air quality of where they were and because of living in their own faeces and urine.

"They've each got so many different conditions that it's going to be very costly for us to sort out for them but of course we will do that prior to them going to new homes because we want them to be in as best condition as we can get them, so they can start flourishing.”

Bournemouth Echo:

One of the dogs, who the team named Edwina, had a ruptured eye ulcer, which would have been causing her a great deal of pain. This resulted in the removal of her eye.

Another has bilateral cataracts that will require complicated and incredibly costly surgery. Many of these dogs were born with genetic conditions that could have been prevented, had they been bred in a more responsible and considerate way.

Treating these medical problems has already been estimated at a cost in excess of £15,000, a totally unforeseen expenditure for the charity.

A charity spokesperson said: “We receive no government funding and rely on the generosity and kindness of supporters. If you would like to play a vital role in helping to get these little dogs back on their paws, please donate today by clicking here and using the reference: PUPPY FARM.

“We are spending time getting to know these dogs and looking after all their needs. Please keep an eye on our website here to see when they are ready to go to their forever homes.”