These shocking images show the filth and squalor family pets and rescued dogs were being kept in before a huge raid by animal welfare officers and police. The images show dogs and cats being kept in cages full of excrement and urine at the 4 Paws centre in South Killingholme. One shows a dog penned into a tiny cage while others show a horse with painful sores on its head and legs. The disturbing pictures emerged after RSPCA official supported by Humberside Police launched an early morning raid on 4 Paws. The raid, under the codename 'Operation Cadmium', is believed to be one of the largest carried out in the RSPCA?s recent history.
Family pets and rescue dogs were being kept in filth at 4 Paws (Picture: MEN)

These grim images show the squalid and appalling conditions that family pets and rescue dogs were forced to live in.

Earlier Metro.co.uk reported that the 4 Paws centre in South Killingholme was raided by the RSPCA and police, who carried out injured and negelcted pets.

Dogs and cats were kept in cages full of excrement and urine at the 4 Paws centre.

One shows a dog penned into a tiny cage while others show a horse with painful sores on its head and legs.

The disturbing photographs emerged after RSPCA official, supported by Humberside Police, launched an early morning raid on 4 Paws.

The raid, under the codename ‘Operation Cadmium’, is believed to be one of the largest carried out in the RSPCA’s recent history, rescuing around 100 animals in total.

Teams of welfare officers spent hours recovering dogs, cats and other animals before transferring them for medical treatment and to safe boarding.

Distraught and being consoled by a family member, this is the woman who owns the 4 Paws Veterinary Clinic as dozens of RSOPCA animal welfare officers and police descended on her pet centre. It was raided by the Police, RSPCA and Dogs Trust yesterday due to animal welfare concerns. Jodie 'Jo' Fairbrother, who owns the veterinary clinic on Habrough Road, South Killingholme, has been operating animal rescue shelters since at least 2006, when she ran the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Chellaston. She has been a large provider of adopted dogs, bringing them into the UK from Romania and selling them to "loving homes" for around ?235 each. Police and RSPCA officers raid the Second Chance Rescue, 4 Paws Lodge Boarding Kennels and 4 Paws Veterinary Clinic, in Habrough Road, at South Killingholme. Horses in stables alongside a paddock at the rear of the property. Picture: Rick Byrne PICTURE: Rick Byrne / Grimsby Telegraph There are pictures from this story. REQUESTED BY: srtory by Connor Lynch CONTACT: DATE: 22/03/2018 POSTCODE: KEYWORDS:dogs
Dozens of RSPCA animal welfare officers and police descended on her pet centre (Picture: MEN)
These shocking images show the filth and squalor family pets and rescued dogs were being kept in before a huge raid by animal welfare officers and police. The images show dogs and cats being kept in cages full of excrement and urine at the 4 Paws centre in South Killingholme. One shows a dog penned into a tiny cage while others show a horse with painful sores on its head and legs. The disturbing pictures emerged after RSPCA official supported by Humberside Police launched an early morning raid on 4 Paws. The raid, under the codename 'Operation Cadmium', is believed to be one of the largest carried out in the RSPCA?s recent history.
Dogs crammed in a filthy cage (Picture: MEN)

The owner of the centre, Jodie Fairbrother, was seen at the centre as the raids were taking place and being consoled by family members.

The raids followed growing concern from local residents in South Killingholme about conditions at the centre and also complaints from people who had used the facilities for their animals.

The 4 Paws centre claimed to offer cheap veterinary clinics and boarding for family pets as well as acting as a ‘rescue centre’ for dogs imported from Romania.

Pet owners have contacted the Grimsby Telegraph to share their concerns about the centre and with a catalogue of cases where they suspected animals were not being cared for.

It is thought at least 100 animals were removed from the centre by the RSPCA with support from the Dogs Trust.

Sources claimed the centre acted as a major ‘importer’ of dogs from Romania which would then be sold as pets to owners here for more than £200.

A van was used to transport the dogs to North Lincolnshire by the charity with regular trips being made across Europe.

Police and RSPCA inspectors along with a fleet of dog ambulances have turned up at a vet centre today. There are an estimated 30 dog rescue vehicles and several Dogs Trust dog ambulances at the site on Habrough Road in South Killingholme, Lincolnshire. caption: Police and RSPCA officers raid 4 Paws in Habrough Road
Police and RSPCA inspectors carry animals out of the squalid vets (Picture: MEN)

But the Telegraph has been made aware of several cases where dogs bought by kind-hearted animal lovers were then reported to be found to be suffering from serious illnesses and medical problems.

Others familiar with 4 Paws also described how they tried to rescue dogs from the centre and had to feed animals, including horses, being kept in the site.

As the investigation continues, the RSPCA are expected to give a further statement on the 4 Paws raids today.

A spokesman said yesterday: ‘RSPCA officers have accompanied police as a warrant is being executed at a property in Killingholme in Lincolnshire. Dogs Trust and vets are also present to assist.

Police and RSPCA inspectors along with a fleet of dog ambulances have turned up at a vet centre today. There are an estimated 30 dog rescue vehicles and several Dogs Trust dog ambulances at the site on Habrough Road in South Killingholme, Lincolnshire. caption: Police and RSPCA officers raid 4 Paws in Habrough Road
Dozens of RSPCA workers rescued dogs in cramped and dirty conditions (Picture: MEN)

‘A large number of animals were removed from the property and, as an investigation is ongoing, we cannot go into any further detail.’

Inspestor Tim Harvey of Humberside Police said: ‘We and our colleagues at the RSPCA are currently carrying out an intel-led operation at an animal rescue organisation in Killingholme.’

The RSPCA issued advice to anyone who has a pet at the centre.

A spokesman said: ‘If your pet was at 4 Paws, please contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave your details in relation to ‘Operation Cadmium’.

‘A member of the team will contact you in the coming days.’

Police and RSPCA inspectors along with a fleet of dog ambulances have turned up at a vet centre today. There are an estimated 30 dog rescue vehicles and several Dogs Trust dog ambulances at the site on Habrough Road in South Killingholme, Lincolnshire. caption: Police and RSPCA officers raid 4 Paws in Habrough Road
Police and RSPCA inspectors along with a fleet of dog ambulances (Picture: BPM)