Fears that dog breeding factory operating in Wales after 28 animals found dumped
Hope Rescue said the dogs, which include labradors, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels and mixes of those breeds, were found in Bridgend, Swansea and Glynneath, Neath Port Talbot
A charity has raised concerns that as many as 28 dogs, now in their care, may have been abandoned by a single large-scale breeder. Hope Rescue, a dog rescue charity, reported that the dogs, including labradors, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels and mixes of these breeds, were found in Bridgend, Swansea and Glynneath, Neath Port Talbot.
Sara Rosser from Hope Rescue, based in Llanharan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, suggested that the animals likely all originated from the same place and were all "quite traumatised" upon rescue. "It's been a really shocking case for us, even for our longest-serving staff, we've never seen anything like this," she shared with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
Ten dogs were brought into the charity from Bridgend, while another 15 dogs - believed to be from the same source - were dumped in Glynneath. An additional three, discovered in the Gower in Swansea, have also been taken into the care of Hope Rescue. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
"We're really concerned that this may be a large-scale breeder who is now essentially sort of coordinating and dumping across south Wales, which is a huge concern," Ms Rosser expressed further. She noted that all the dogs found in Bridgend were female, and all those dumped in Glynneath were male. "So it would definitely appear that this was a planned abandonment," she said.
Ms Rosser revealed that none of them were accustomed to walking on a lead, adding they were "very scared of people". The charity estimates that the dogs are all under three years old, with the majority being about 18 months old. Members of the public performed "incredible" feats in capturing the dogs, who are somewhat traumatised from what they've gone through, she commented.
Many of these canine friends also have medical issues and require treatment before finding a new home. "But luckily, with the breeds they are as well, we think they'll be quite popular. We just need to find those right homes that can support them on their journey," she said. The RSPCA issued a statement saying: "We understand that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis but abandoning animals out in the cold is never acceptable." Furthermore, the charity urged that there are numerous animal welfare organisations ready to give advice and implored "anybody in a difficult situation to seek support".
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