Stunned animal lovers questioned if the RSPCA had released an AI image after the charity posted a heart-breaking rescue photo showing 250 bedraggled poodles crammed into a house. Many of the dogs were found caked in their own filth with dozens suffering with skin sores and matted coats.
Sickening photos from the house in Nottingham show the poodle-crosses pressed up against each other as they fight for space in the cramped living room. Several dogs were forced to sleep in a wood burner in the fireplace while others cowered under a table in the tiny living space.
RSPCA rescuers were tipped off about the property by concerned neighbours. The charity said over-breeding had taken over, causing living conditions to "spiral out of control".
The charity took 87 of the dogs to its Radcliffe Animal Centre, in Nottingham and the rest were taken by Dogs Trust.
Addressing rumours that the shocking images were AI, RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: "This shocking image is the reality of many multi-animal cases, and the situation our frontline officers seem to be confronting more and more - with reports of cases involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals on the rise.
"We understand that people are so aghast they don't believe what they are seeing. But this photo is not AI - it's real.
"This is the staggering reality of what can happen when even well-meaning owners become overwhelmed - over-breeding can take over, and conditions can spiral out of control."
Many of the poodles were so terrified of the outside world that they had to be carried from their kennels to the grass for their daily exercise.
Two of the dogs, Stevie – a deaf and blind cocker spaniel – and Sandy a poodle, have formed a close bond and need to be rehomed together.
Television star, radio DJ and RSPCA Ambassador Kate Lawler visited Southridge where the two dogs are kept.
She said: "Stevie is such a brave and beautiful dog - and I really hope her and Sandy find the perfect home together. It's just amazing the way Sandy helps look after Stevie.
"I was so taken with their story, and the unbelievable situation they were rescued from.
"It's a reminder of the dangers of multi-animal households when things aren't kept under control, but I am so relieved that so many of the animals will get a second chance of forever home happiness."
The charity has now launched a major appeal to find all the dogs forever homes.
