November 23, 2018 5.12 pm This story is over 64 months old

Council flooded with complaints for years before breeders raid

Many problems reported before intervention
Bailey "almost died the next day" after he was bought from Little Rascals.

A council received more than 30 complaints over the past five years about a Lincoln dog breeders before it was raided by police and RSPCA.

Little Rascals Pets in Brant Broughton near Lincoln, was raided on Tuesday, November 13 after concerns were raised for the welfare of the animals.

As a result of the operation, there were 94 dogs taken from the premises into the care of the RSPCA.

The breeders, now trading as Puppies at Home, are being investigated by the animal welfare charity.

Nearly 100 dogs were taken into the care of the RSPCA. Photo: Newark Police

In an investigation by The Lincolnite, a freedom of information request was submitted to North Kesteven District Council.

The request revealed how the council had been flooded with over 35 complaints about sick and dying puppies before it was raided.

In 2015, the council visited the dog breeding premises after receiving a complaint but no problems were found.

But for the majority of complaints, the council didn’t take any further action and simply offered some advice.

Several pet owners have spoken out about dying animals and expensive vet bills after buying dogs from the breeders.

Bailey has been in and out of the vets with severe health problems. Photo: Emily Louise Moreton

Emily Louise Moreton told The Lincolnite about her horror experience with Little Rascals Pets.

She said: “I bought Bailey in May 2016 and he nearly died the next day. He had a severe kennel cough which had turned into pneumonia.

“We have since discovered a genetic spinal condition which will leave him lame. This is a result of breeding unhealthy parents.

“Bailey’s vets bills are nearly at £20,000 and he has been on 15 tablets every day.”