244 Dogs Rescued From House in London

A British animal protection group said Thursday it had rescued 244 dogs, 16 parrots, seven cats, a rabbit and a chinchilla from a three-bedroom house in what it described as the biggest seizure in its 181-year history.

The animals were removed from the house in Carnforth, Lancashire, in northern England on Sept. 10, said Sari Eldridge, a spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

She refused to go into further details on Thursday, saying the rescue was subject to an investigation that could result in legal action.

British media quoted locals as saying the house was owned by a middle-aged couple and was filthy.

The rescued dogs included Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Bearded Collies, Corgis, Chihuahuas, Poodles, Pekinese and Yorkshire Terriers. The birds included Macaws, Amazonian parrots and African Grays.