Woman who found deceased animals in bags at pet crematorium is inundated by people asking if she saw their dog

Jessica Roberts from Bridgnorth went to Animal Funeral Services based near Kington to find out what had happened to her dog, Teddy.

She was heartbroken after being told that the remains of her beloved pet had allegedly gone missing while in the care of the local pet cremation service.

But what she discovered at Animal Funeral Services – bodies of deceased animals in bags outside and in a van, has led to sleepless nights and people contacting her to ask if she saw their pets.

An investigation has now been launched into the pet crematorium, after Jess' social media post highlighted a number of concerns about the way animal remains were being treated.

Vets across the area have also started to give statements on which animal cremation companies they use.

Jessica said Teddy was put to sleep on May 19 following a decline in his health.

After his death, Teddy was entrusted to Animal Funeral Services, through her veterinary practice for an individual cremation and the return of his ashes.

However, weeks later, she received devastating news that Teddy could not be located.

"My Teddy was put to sleep on May 19 and sent to this service. Today I've been told he's gone missing," she said.

Jess stressed that she does not blame her veterinary practice, praising the care she received throughout Teddy's life.

"My vet is the best vet I've ever used. They chose this company because it was also a small family-run business. However, due to delays in ashes being returned, they have since changed who they use. Teddy was one of the last dogs sent there, but he has never come home."

Teddy, a Romanian rescue dog who had previously been saved from a shelter, held a special place in his owner's life.

"He was freed from a kennel, but in the end of his life he has once again been stripped of any respect," she said.

"The thought of him being sent to the wrong place and being thrown away because he's unclaimed is killing me. I didn't think losing him could get any worse."

Jess said her vet visited Animal Funeral Services herself before telling Jess about her findings in tears.

Jess then went to the business twice and discovered the bags of animal bodies and carcasses.

“I just plead with the owners, I just want Teddy back. I asked the owner for an administration trail and she could not give it to me. I went to the police, Herefordshire Council and the RSPCA.

“Since I put it on social media I have had lots of people messaging me asking if I saw their dogs there and sending me photographs of their dogs.

“I just wanted Teddy back when I went there but now I want justice for every dog and small animal there. My brain can't comprehend what I have seen. I work with dogs and my life is dogs, its been so distressing.”

An investigation into the Animal Funeral Services, led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency is now underway.

APHA has been asked for a comment.

West Mercia Police said the APHA is leading the investigation.

A statement released by Herefordshire Council said: “Herefordshire Council takes all reports concerning the welfare and respectful treatment of animals seriously.

“We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and our animal health team is making enquiries to establish the circumstances.

“We are working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the RSPCA and other relevant agencies as part of the ongoing investigations, and will take appropriate action within the Council’s responsibilities and powers.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we will continue to work closely with the relevant agencies as their investigations progress.”

Animal Funeral Services were contacted but there was no answer and on their website the business is said to be 'permanently closed'.

The RSPCA said the council is the licensing authority and they are not directly involved in the investigation at the moment.

Arrowfield Vet Practice with surgeries in Kington and Presteigne, confirmed that they use PCS Pet Cremation Services.

In a statement they said: “We have been working with PCS Pet Cremation Services for over 10 years for our cremation services because we know they share our commitment to treating every pet with the dignity and care they deserve.

“That said, we also understand that some families may already have a preferred cremation provider or alternative arrangements in mind. Wherever possible, we're more than happy to work alongside your chosen provider to ensure your wishes are respected.

“Our focus is, and always will be, supporting you during a difficult time and helping you make the choices that feel right for you and your pet. “

Brookfield Vets in Hereford and Ledbury said: “We were devastated to have seen the news about Animal Funeral Services.

“We want to reassure our clients that we no longer use Animal Funeral Services and haven’t done for several months. We served notice to terminate our contract at the end of 2025 due to communication difficulties.

“We were unaware of the state of her premises or for how long they have been in this condition. Over the years clients using her services have visited her premises and never had any cause for concern. We understand that all pet cremation services are inspected annually by APHA. This is now a police matter, and we await the results of that investigation.

“In our Hereford branch we use Summerleaze, a branch of Pet Cremation Service based in Newport. We have used this company for our Ledbury branch since we acquired the practice in 2016.”