Almost 100 dogs and their puppies are in need of new homes after a shocking discovery at a breeding house.
The RSPCA is trying to rehome 96 Shih Tzus that were found in terrible conditions in Torquay, Devon, last October.
The neglected dogs were found in unsafe conditions, malnourished and infested with fleas and worms and covered in faeces.
After their rescue the animals were split and distributed to different RSPCA branches to be rehabilitated and rehomed.
Several of the 96 dogs were pregnant and have given birth to about 50 puppies since their rescue.
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RSPCA Cornwall was allocated 13 of the dogs and has found homes for three of them.
Spokesperson Sammy Howard told the BBC that they discovered the dogs as a result of a noise complaint by a nearby resident.
She said: “Us and all the rescuers around the UK are desperately looking for homes for these guys now.
“They have had a difficult start to life and will not just slot into a home and be grateful that someone took them on.
“They will be terrified and may take months before they start trusting people – which is a hard sell when asking for someone to welcome a dog into their home.
“We won’t give up hope that there are people out there for these dogs.”
Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs can go to www.rspcacornwall.org.uk/how-to-adopt for more information.
