Roshan and Jacqui seized dogs from Singh’s Poultry Farm in Verulam. They were being kept in dark, dingy kennels covered with black plastic tarpaulin. The two German Shepherds were extremely agitated and just skin and bone. They had neither food nor water. Jacqui and Roshan inspected the farm while they were there and checked the free-range chickens to ensure that they were being looked after properly. There were also geese, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits in cages.

Our inspectors could see the dogs only when they came to the front of the cage. They were let out only at night to protect the property. This owner had been charged before regarding his treatment of dogs. The dogs were seized and taken to the SPCA. They had chronic diarrhoea and were stressing badly, including even biting at the bars of the cage. Normally dogs are kept until the end of a trial, but the plight of these animals was discussed with a magistrate.

They were in such a sad way that their best interests had to come first and sadly this was to euthanase them. Court cases can sometimes go on for years. A year in a kennel, even with spells of exercise, would have done for them, Jacqui said, because incarceration in a cage was what had caused their mental condition, quite apart from the severe physical neglect. They were clenching their jaws and trying desperately to get out. Jacqui tried to get them out and to stroke them and calm them down, but to no avail. .... more reports »