The discovery came to light following a report from a concerned individual who exposed the dire situation.
The revelation in Saarbrucken has sparked considerable concern among local authorities. Inside a cramped 20 m2 room, inspectors discovered twelve dogs, including three puppies, seven cats, and a python. The room itself was in a state of disrepair, with a deteriorating laminate floor and covered in excrement.
The alarm was raised on Saturday by a “concerned animal lover” who became aware of the situation after a friend purchased a puppy online, only to find it far too young to be separated from its mother. Concerned about the welfare of the animals, the whistleblower contacted the Saarland Animal Protection Service (Tiernotruf Saarland), detailing the dire conditions in which the animals were being kept. In their correspondence, the whistleblower described the animals as living in darkness, defecating indiscriminately throughout the room, and displaying signs of illness and infection, including hair loss.
Upon receiving the report, the Saarland Animal Protection Service immediately arranged a meeting with the concerned residents. While the owner of the premises opened the door, they refused to grant access to the “barking dogs.” Faced with the overwhelming stench of urine and faeces emanating from the property, the Animal Protection Service decided to notify the police.
Upon arrival at the flat, police officers were confronted with the gravity of the situation.
Efforts to rescue the animals and ensure their safety proved challenging, requiring two hours of concerted effort. Eventually, the animals were transported to the Linxbachhof animal shelter for immediate care. Notably, a 17-year-old female Chihuahua was entrusted to a colleague from the Helpme animal protection association due to concerns about her ability to withstand the stress of shelter conditions, as stated by the association.
Meanwhile, the individual who purchased the puppy was able to provide evidence of a legitimate transaction, presenting a contract of sale. However, discrepancies arose regarding the puppy’s age; while the contract stated he was five months old, observation by the animal protection service revealed that he was between eight and twelve weeks old, based on the presence of milk teeth. The puppy had not received vaccinations, microchipping, or deworming.
The next steps in addressing the situation will be determined by a veterinary professional.
