The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) recently removed a total of 207 animals from a single property in Co. Kildare.

25 dogs, 95 rabbits, 58 guinea pigs, 22 hamsters, four mice, one terrapin, a turtle and a corn snake were taken into the care of the charity.

ISPCA Inspector Jimmy McCormack responded to a call made to the charity’s national animal cruelty helpline regarding concerns about several animals being kept at the property.

On arrival, the inspector discovered a serious animal overpopulation and overcrowding problem.

Animals of various species were being bred, and also retained, with the result that the numbers grew out of control.

There were over 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (including four puppies) living in the kitchen of the house.

The inspector said that while the dogs appeared to be friendly and in generally good health, the noise from their barking was deafening and the environment was extremely stressful.

There were also hamsters, mice, a corn snake, a slider terrapin and a musk turtle in the house.

In an outside shed, the ISPCA found there were large numbers of rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters confined in overcrowded rusty cages stacked on top of each other.

Although basic food, bedding and water was being provided, McCormack said that the conditions were wholly inadequate. The shed was dark with little natural light and ventilation was poor.

Several of the rabbits were sneezing and some had runny eyes, and guinea pigs and rabbits were housed together, which is not recommended.

In addition to the pet animals in the shed, wild mice were also living there and burrowing through the straw.

When the full extent of the situation became clear, assistance was sought from the Dublin SPCA, Cork SPCA and other animal welfare charities, and a large-scale rescue operation was mounted.

The ISPCA said that the people involved fully acknowledged that the numbers of animals had gotten out of control and had become too much for them.

They cooperated fully with the removal of the animals and complied with all instructions given by the charity's inspectors.

Subsequent veterinary examinations found that several of the small animals had respiratory issues, their nails were overgrown and one of the rabbits had to have faeces caked on its back end clipped away.

Two of the rabbits had neurological issues and were euthanised on veterinary advice.

The ISPCA said that it is urgently in need of donations of rabbit and guinea pig hutches to provide proper care for the animals in its shelter.

The charity added that many of the rescued rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters will be available for rehoming in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the case Conor Dowling, ISPCA chief inspector, said:

"Most of the small animals lived their lives in a dark, dirty mouse infested shed with insufficient room to hop around and exhibit natural behaviour.

"The situation should never have been allowed to get so out of hand but thankfully we were able to intervene before the physical health of the animals deteriorated further."

"Our priority is the welfare of the animals involved, but we also must be mindful of working with vulnerable people.

"We encourage members of the public to continue reporting any animal welfare concerns to our helpline," he added.