RSPCA discover 82 ‘frightened’ Chihuahua dogs in couple’s ‘chaotic and dirty’ house

Dozens of animals with matted fur, fleas and hot-water burns seized from home

More than 80 neglected dogs were found in a house that “looked like an earthquake had hit it” in Birmingham.

The chihuahuas, with matted coats, fleas and burns, were frightened and cowering out of sight, rescuers said.

RSPCA inspectors seized the animals from the “filthy, cramped” house, after police investigating a woman’s death called them, concerned about the conditions. One animal had to be put down.

“I had no idea how many dogs I was taking out,” said inspector Herchy Boal, of the charity. “They literally started appearing from everywhere. We’d move the washing machine and suddenly there would be six faces looking at you.

“It was just incredible where they were able to hide. They were all hiding, barking and snapping at us. The house looked like an earthquake had hit it – everything was higgledy-piggledy. It was really chaotic and dirty.

“These dogs had never left the premises. They were almost like feral dogs in a way. They didn’t want to be handled or they were extremely frightened. It was a very difficult situation. We called out a vet who said the house was too hazardous and the dogs couldn’t stay there – it was filthy and cramped.”

The inspectors seized all 82 chihuahuas and worked through the night to check the dogs over, taking them to the charity’s Newbrook Farm animal hospital in the city. Ms Boal said: “We didn’t finish work until 11am the next day.”

The burns had been caused accidentally by boiling water, officials said.

One dog had to be put down and four were returned to the husband, after RSPCA staff helped to make the home suitable. The rest of the dogs were rehomed.

The animals were found in April 2017, but the case is due to feature on Wednesday’s episode of The Dog Rescuers on Channel 5.

Police said the woman who lived at the property had died of complications after an accident, and they took no action.

Ms Boal said: “The woman and her husband, Stephen, had started out with two pet chihuahuas – Blue and Tinkerbell. This was a classic hoarding situation but it was clear the couple had loved their dogs and things had simply got out of hand.

“This was a really sad case but it was also a really memorable one for me due to the sheer number of dogs involved.”

She 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 RSPCA said no action was taken against the man because staff always try to work with owners in such situations.

“Prosecution is a last resort. In this case, things really just got out of hand and they just needed some help,” a spokeswoman said.