More than 250 poodles rescued from a squalid property in Nottingham last month are now finding loving new homes, the RSPCA has confirmed. The animal charity rescued 87 dogs from the filthy house, while Dogs Trust took the remainder. Some of the poodles have made remarkable recoveries after being found caked in their own filth, with skin sores and matted coats, and some even forced to sleep in a wood burner.
The shocking condition of the dogs led some to believe images of the scene were fake or AI-generated, but the RSPCA insisted they were real. Concerned neighbours had tipped off the charity about the 'overwhelmed' breeder. While a handful of dogs are still awaiting adoption, most have already been rehomed.
Among the success stories is Barney, adopted by Donna and David Shultz and their sons. Donna said: 'We chose Barney because he looked so vulnerable and nervous. The image was such a shock... I can understand why some people thought it was AI as you could never imagine that it could be real.' Another poodle, Boone, was underweight and matted when rescued but now enjoys life in London with Dermot Murphy and his family. Dermot said: 'When we first got him I had to carry him into the car... he has brought light into our life.'
Winston, a ten-month-old poodle, was so nervous he was scared of his own lead and had to be carried everywhere initially. His new owners, Lisa and Mark Bream, visited him daily for two weeks to build trust. Lisa said: 'Every night now he’ll bring the toys from his safe space and put them in his basket before he goes to sleep.' Dexter was rehomed by Liz Mummery of Surrey as a companion for her dog Teddy.
