POLICE and RSPCA officers wearing protective gear removed about 20 dogs from a terrace house in Nelson after complaints from residents.

The animals were taken away by the RSPCA after the joint operation which lasted for more than an hour.

The officers called on a house in Rutland Street on Thursday after complaints about the dogs' behaviour.

Inspector David Shepherd of Nelson police, said: "There was some concern about the health hazard at the house and the state of the dogs and their welfare. The police had received complaints in relation to the behaviour of the dogs. "It was a joint approach by the police, the RSPCA and the council's environmental health department. I understand quite a number of dogs, perhaps up to 20, were taken away by the RSPCA."

Stuart Arnott, Pendle Council's principle environmental health officer, said: "We had received reports that there was an elderly lady living at the house with a significant number of dogs.

"There were about eight or nine adult dogs and the rest were puppies. They weren't pedigree dogs. There was concern about that fact that such a large number of dogs were in the house.

"We're taking action to clean up the property and the RSPCA is looking after the dogs."

There was no suggestion that the animals had been ill-treated in any way.

No-one at the RSPCA was available to comment.

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