RECORD RSPCA RESCUE

RSPCA officers have rescued 244 dogs, 16 parrots, seven cats, a rabbit and a chinchilla from a single three-bedroom house in Carnforth, Lancashire.

The 269 animals were crammed into all parts of the house owned by a middle aged couple, including the loft and basement.

The RSPCA said: "This is the largest seizure of animals in our history. It is huge."

It took 26 staff two days to clear out the animals from the house, described by one local source as: "Absolutely and utterly disgusting."

The local council's environmental health officers have also visited the property.

Some animals needed the attention of vets, brought in by the charity to check the animals over.

The couple have been interviewed by RSPCA inspectors.

The haul of dogs included shih-tzus, dachshunds, lhasa apsos, bearded collies, corgis, chihuahuas, poodles, pekinese and Yorkshire terriers.

The birds included a macaw, Amazonian parrot and an African Grey.

All the animals have been taken to various RSPCA animal centres across the country.