New life for dog rescued from house with 83 others

A springer spaniel who was one of 84 dogs living in "squalid conditions" in a family home has been given a second chance at life.

Katy was discovered at a property in Doncaster in April last year, where animals covered in faeces and urine had been left to breed by themselves.

RSPCA officers executing a warrant at the rural cottage in Tickhill described the conditions as "the worst they had encountered during their careers".

Katy has since been adopted by Wendy and Lindsay Cann, from Cowley in North Yorkshire, who said she had "come along at the right time".

"I wasn't going to get another dog because I was too upset when I lost my last one, Alfie," Wendy explained.

"He was 15 and it was just too distressing, so we weren't having another one, but life's not the same without a dog.

"When you've always had a dog, you just can't live without one."

The owner recalled Katy's first few days at her new home, where she initially refused to venture onto the grass.

"She stayed on the patio because I don't think she knew what the grass was," Wendy added.

"She did everything she needed to on there and then the second day, she was romping around the grass chasing the butterflies.

"It didn't take her long to figure out that she was safe and she was home."

When Katy and the other dogs were found, officers reported the kitchen being covered in dirt and faeces "from floor to ceiling".

More than 30 dogs were crowded together on the stairs, while others climbed on the kitchen sides or cowered in corners.

Although the family responsible for the animals was inside the property, police had to force entry.

Faye Gibbons, from the RSPCA, remembered when Katy had been brought into their care.

"We could see that she was traumatised," she said.

"The team were very shocked at just how difficult she was finding her new surroundings.

"When she first arrived, her coat was stained in urine, with faeces.

"It was just a harrowing sight and probably one of the hardest cases our team have worked on."

On Tuesday, children's social worker David Parkes was found guilty of failing to ensure the welfare of the animals, which were kept at the home he shared with his family.

He had denied animal welfare offences, claiming his wife, Delphine, and son, Sam, were primarily responsible for the dogs' care due to his heavy workload.

However, the 61-year-old was found guilty following a two-day trial at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

Delphine Parkes, 60, and Sam Parkes, 28, pleaded guilty to the same offences at a hearing earlier this year. All three will be sentenced on 9 December.

An RSPCA spokesperson said one of the dogs later had to be put to sleep due to ongoing health issues, but all of the others had been rehomed.

Faye Gibbons agreed Katy was a very lucky dog.

"Just looking at her here, she's landed on a paws, let's say," she added.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.