Over 100 dogs removed in rescue centre raid
Humberside Police said it could not confirm any further details as the investigation is ongoing. (Stock photo)
A major raid by Humberside Police and the RSPCA has seen more than 100 dogs removed from a rescue centre in North Lincolnshire.
The dogs were taken from 4 Paws Veterinary Clinic on Habrough Road, South Killingholme, BBC News reported. A number of cats were also removed from the site.
According to its sign, 4 Paws offers boarding kennels as well as a ‘second chance rescue’.
Chief inspector Ian Briggs from the RSPCA’s special operations unit told the BBC: “The animals are all being moved into a safe secure environment where they will be cared for, treated for any ailments and monitored for any infectious diseases.
“They will remain in the care of the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust throughout the investigation.”
While no arrests have been made, Mr Briggs said a number of people are “helping us with our inquiries and have been taken away by the police.”
He added: “We’re investigating everything about this organisation. The operation has been built over the last few weeks. It involves information coming in from concerned members of the public.”
Mr Briggs reportedly advised anyone who has acquired animals from 4 Paws, or who has dogs in its kennels, to contact the RSPCA.
Inspector Tim Harvey of Humberside Police told BBC News: “We and our colleagues at the RSPCA are currently carrying out an intel-led operation at an animal rescue organisation in Killingholme.
“At this stage, we cannot confirm any further details, as the investigation is ongoing.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
