Heartbreak as dozens of dogs rescued in ‘one of the biggest animal welfare operations ever’ (VIDEO)

Even the most seasoned animal welfare workers couldn’t hide their heartbreak as they were working to save dozens of animals in one of the biggest rescue operations in the country. Most were emaciated and suffering from severe health problems, and some were in a such horrendous condition they had to be put down at the scene.

Over two hundred neglected animals

Huge herds of ponies, many riddled with worms, were found living out in fields with hazardous metal and broken fencing sticking up from the thick mud. Pens full of donkeys, goats and horses, some too skinny and with untreated health conditions, were standing on top of months worth of waste and faeces. Dozens of dogs, some heavily pregnant and others with tiny puppies in tow, were discovered chained and tethered in the filthy yard or shut inside tiny cramped cages or makeshift kennels.

These are not the scenes from a horror movie, but a heartbreaking realitythe RSPCA animal inspectors faced on a farm in Surrey, England. A total of 204 animals were discovered at the site.

The rescue

RSPCA’s case officer Kirsty Withnall, who coordinated this huge rescue mission and led the investigation, said that 100 people from different agencies spent more than 12 hours assessing the animals, rounding them up and moving them to vets and rescue centres. It was 'one of the biggest animal welfare operations ever in the UK'.

Some of the sickest animals received immediate vet care while others were taken for treatment nearby. Those who were considered fit to travel were transferred to various charities. Unfortunately, way too many didn’t make it at all.

Put down on the spot

Sadly, despite urgent vet attention, some of the animals were neglected to the point where living meant suffering for them.

Two ponies were found collapsed on top of each other, with one of them suspected to be dead. They were both too thin and weak and had to be put to sleep on site together with one goat.

Further assessment showed that another 14 horses were emaciated, had serious worm burdens, and were suffering from cyathostominosis. They, as well as two dogs and one more goat, were also put down on vet advice.

As a big number of animals were pregnant when they were rescued, many more deaths occurred among newborns. They included two stillborn foals, six goat kids, an alpaca, and two puppies.

The sentence

The RSPCA led the investigation into this heartless historic neglect. A woman responsible for the Surrey farm's inhabitants was found guilty of multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act and given a 26-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months. She was also disqualified from keeping all animals for life.

All surviving animals are now under the care of various charities, and some have been rehomed.

RSPCA is a charity dedicated to animal welfare and rescue. Head to their website to learn more about their vital work and to support the organisation.

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