Officers have seized more than 60 animals after executing warrants at three locations in Pennington, Sway and Lymington yesterday morning (Thursday 23 January).

The warrants, supported by our RSPCA partners, were carried out under Section. 23 of the Animal Welfare Act (2006). Dogs, horses, cats, and sheep were seized.

PC Sam Chapman, from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Country Watch team said: “This is a great example of police and RSPCA officers working together to safeguard the health of animals.

“It was a brilliant multi-agency effort, with these animals at the very heart of all of our hard work, both leading up to the warrants and during the course of the day yesterday.

“That work, of course, doesn’t stop here and much more will be done to ensure these animals continue to be safeguarded going forward.”

Reflecting further on yesterday’s warrants and the support of the local public during the operation, PC Chapman said, “I’d like to place on record our huge appreciation and thanks for all of those who have offered to help us, or simply came over to say ‘thank you’ for what we were doing.

“It was a tough day for all the officers involved, but your amazing support was absolutely vital and invaluable to all of us.

“I’d also like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding throughout the day. It was a long day, but people were extremely compassionate about the important work we were doing.

“All of this didn’t go unnoticed by any of us, so thank you.”

The matter is now under active investigation by the RSPCA.

If you have any concerns about the welfare of any animals, please report these to the RSPCA via the below link;

Report A Concern | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk -ENDS-