MORE than 50 animals have been surrendered by a large rescue centre in Wolverhampton after “multiple complaints” were made about it.

34 dogs, 19 puppies, one cat, five kittens and five tortoises were seized from C.A.A.R.S Rescue Centre in Essington yesterday, November 19, Staffordshire Police have confirmed.

Officers carried out a warrant at the centre along with South Staffordshire Council's Environmental Health team, veterinary specialists, the RSPCA, and trained dog handlers after multiple allegations of potential illegal activities relating to animal welfare and licensing were made.

Police have said all of the animals they recovered from C.A.A.R.S are now being looked after at “alternative locations across the region.”

Sergeant Craig Beardsley, from Staffordshire Police’s County Proactive and Rural Crime Team, said: “We’re determined to continue working with our local partners in Staffordshire to tackle the issues affecting rural communities the most.

“Only by working together can we continue to take action against those causing alarm and distress amongst residents and businesses in our county.”

Cllr Rita Heseltine, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services at South Staffordshire Council, said: "We take reports of animal welfare concerns very seriously. I want to thank members of the public for coming forward with their concerns.

“We are committed to investigating issues related to licensing and animal welfare fully and taking action where necessary to protect animals.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added: "This operation demonstrates the importance of partnership working.

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering and urge anyone with concerns about the welfare of an animal to report them to the relevant authorities.”

South Staffordshire Council is leading the investigation into the allegations made against the rescue centre and has said it is ongoing.