Oxford City Council’s anti-social behaviour team co-ordinated the rescue of 12 dogs, a lizard, and a rabbit abandoned in an unlived-in flat.
The animals were being kept in the flat with no supervision, and accounts from neighbours suggested someone came by once a week to put down piles of dry food. The animals didn’t have access to the outside, so they weren’t getting any exercise and couldn’t even go out to toilet.
The council first became aware of an issue when neighbours complained to the housing team. The council flat was officially occupied, but the tenant had moved out to turn it into a makeshift kennel.
Neighbours got in touch with the council about concerns for the animals and to complain about the smell. The concerned housing officer asked the anti-social behaviour team to investigate exactly what was going on.
Although they couldn’t get entry to the flat, council officers were able to see the filthy conditions the animals were living in, and could see and hear a number of dogs inside.
After securing a warrant from magistrates to enter the property, Council staff co-ordinated a morning swoop to rescue the animals. They brought in support from the police, the RSPCA, ODS, the Tenancy Management Service, and the Council’s dog warden, to make sure they were able to safely remove the animals and gather evidence for a criminal investigation.
Video footage from the raid shows the appalling conditions the animals were being kept in, and the smell was clearly overwhelming. The dog warden was able to scan the dogs for chips, in case any were lost or stolen. The RSPCA safely removed all the animals for health checks and rehoming.
A criminal investigation for mistreatment of animals is now underway, and the council is supporting the police in this. The housing team will reclaim the flat, which needs deep cleaning before it returns to the housing list. The animals will be looked after by the RSPCA until new homes can be found for them or they can be returned to their owners.
“These animals were being held in appalling conditions and severely neglected. This was more than just anti-social behaviour, it was inhumane, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the rescue especially residents who first raised concerns.
“We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously, and take action whenever we can. We have strong partnerships to help tackle issues and make sure the right action is taken as quickly as possible. Everyone has the right to live in clean, safe neighbourhoods.”
Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities
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