A dog rescue centre shut down after a raid by the RSPCA amid concerns over conditions was back in business today after winning its licence back.

Des Goodall, owner of Rosedene Animal Rescue Centre, said the past four months had been a “mess”. Last week the Rushall centre was visited by Walsall Council officers who ruled it was fit to begin rehoming animals again. Their first was an unwanted husky called Skye brought in over the weekend, and they are expecting another 20 dogs today.

Mr Goodall, who has owned the centre for seven years, said he was delighted to be open once again but added: “It has been a mess for everyone.

“I have had to finance all of the repairs and everything  we have had no funding  but I have still had bills going out.

“If it was a proper business, I would not be doing it, as it doesn’t make any money. But I am passionate about animals, and so are all of the people who work here.

“If I had the money to do it, I might consider legal action against the RSPCA.

“We took our first dog in yesterday  it was a husky which someone dropped off because they were given it as a present and couldn’t look after it.

“We have another 20 being brought over from Dudley Council, and Sandwell Council also has some dogs for us to kennel.”

The centre in Radley Road was raided on January 21 after the RSCPA said conditions were unsatisfactory for animal care.

Officers seized 56 dogs and destroyed three, prompting a massive backlash from supporters.