Animals destroyed as kennels are shut

A kennels that takes in stray dogs from across the West Midlands has been shut down and three animals destroyed following a raid sparked by fears over conditions.

Another 56 dogs were seized by the RSPCA after they executed a warrant alongside police at Walsall's Rosedene Dog Rescue, which has been going for 14 years.

Animal protection officers have now launched an investigation, with a view to possible prosecution. The centre, in Radley Road, Rushall, was locked-up today and there was no answer on the telephone.

Dogs at the centre included a large number of Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross-breeds, and the three animals put down were understood to be "unhandleable".

Sales executive David Palmer, aged 39, from Walsall, a long-term supporter and volunteer dog-walker for Rosedene, said: "It's a crying shame. It was just somewhere where people only wanted to help the animals.

"I knew it had some problems with funding, but I can't believe it had to be closed down.

"They have always done their best for the dogs there."

RSPCA spokeswoman Judith Haw said: "Three dogs were euthanised at the scene on veterinary advice.

"The remaining 56 dogs were removed from the premises by the RSPCA due to conditions at the kennels.

"All of the dogs, which have been signed over to the RSPCA, are now in our care under assessment and treatment before being moved to RSPCA animal centres for rehoming."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Hickman confirmed police attended Thursday's raid alongside RSPCA officers following information received relating to the animals' welfare.

She said: "Enquiries continue at this stage. No arrests were made."

Clive Potts, Walsall Council principal environmental health officer, said the council will be writing to Rosedene following the raid.

By Richard Williams