In a distressing discovery, a deceased dog was found inside a freezer, while 26 other dogs were uncovered in a cramped bedroom within the same residence. Following a police operation, two individuals are now facing charges related to animal welfare violations.
Law enforcement officials, carrying out a warrant at a property on Emily Street in Blackburn, were shocked to find numerous dogs confined in crates and living in unsuitable conditions. The deceased dog was retrieved from a freezer, leading to the identification of additional animal welfare transgressions.
Upon seizing several dogs from the property for immediate welfare concerns, Lancashire Police released a statement detailing the operation conducted on December 16. Working in collaboration with various agencies, including the RSPCA and Trading Standards, the police discovered the dire situation inside the three-bedroom house.
Lee Wright, residing on Emily Street, Blackburn, has been charged for breaching a disqualification order and appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on December 17. Wright admitted guilt during the court session and is set to be sentenced in February next year.
Following an examination by a veterinary surgeon, it was revealed that some of the seized dogs had suffered injuries causing them distress. Consequently, officers, accompanied by the RSPCA, revisited the property to remove the remaining dogs.
In addition to Wright, another individual, Paige Carrington of Stansfeld Street, Blackburn, faces charges under the Animal Welfare Act for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Wright, who is under a 10-year disqualification order from keeping dogs due to prior animal welfare convictions, will have his court appearance on January 22, while Carrington is scheduled for the following day at Blackburn Magistrates Court.