The animal charity had been called to the West Midlands home after police launched an investigation into the death. RSPCA staff said the property looked like “an earthquake had hit it.”
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Police reported that the 'hoarder' died after suffering an accident at her 'filthy and cramped home' where she was surrounded by 82 chihuahuas.
‘We would move the washing machine and suddenly there'd be six faces looking at you. It was incredible where they were able to hide.’ said RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal.
Spay and neuter your pets
As the dozens of dogs are descended from just one couple, Blue and Tinkerbell, four years ago, Boal said the case illustrated the importance of neutering pets not only to avoid unwanted litters but also to avoid inbreeding, which can cause serious health and behaviour problems in puppies.
The dogs, with matted coats, fleas and burns, were frightened and cowering out of sight, rescuers said. As a result, some had serious behavioural issues and were extremely aggressive and unhappy.
A better pension
All 82 dogs were removed and taken to the charity's Newbrook Farm Animal Hospital in Birmingham. Eventually, four dogs were returned to Stephen, the husband of the deceased woman, and the other 78 rehomed.
'We worked with Stephen to renovate and clean the home while we cared for the dogs. We returned four of the dogs to him and re-homed the rest.’ said Boal.
‘We were seriously considering our options with them because they were completely unhandleable. But when we returned them to him they were like different dogs and were so much happier.’
