Two horses and 54 dogs seized

Sussex Police has launched an investigation after 54 dogs and two horses were seized from a home in Hambrook.

The Rural Crime Team for the force took the animals following reports they were being kept in inadequate living conditions in Hambrook.

Officers, together with the RSPCA and the local authority, carried out a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act. The police said following a search of the address on Tuesday, April 18, the dogs – including some puppies which were just a day old – were seized along with two horses. The action came after the animals were examined by a vet who attended the scene and concluded they were not being adequately cared for.

An investigation is ongoing and a 57-year-old man will be interviewed voluntarily in connection with animal welfare offences in the next week, the police confirmed.

Sergeant Tom Carter, from the Rural Crime Team, said: “We seized a large quantity of dogs and two horses in a poor condition with a variety of untreated medical conditions. These are now being cared for while we carry out a thorough investigation.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “For many people, animals are a part of the family.

"This case highlights why a dedicated Rural Crime Team is so valuable in Sussex and is a good example of cross-agency and close partnership working.

*The RSPCA can be contacted by people who are concerned about an animal's welfare or if an animal is sick, injured or trapped and it is not safe or suitable for a member of the public to assist. Find out more at www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/ contactus/