Animal rescuers were "shocked and upset" to find dozens of dogs living in a cold, dark shed in Canterbury.

The team were called to take four or five of the animals away from a dog breeder who was struggling to cope.

But when Kymm White, from South East Dog Rescue arrived, she found a distressing scene and ended up rescuing 15 of the 30 dogs there.

She said: "We were expecting to take away just a handful but there were some 30 dogs in that breeder's shed.

"They looked very sad creatures. There was no natural light there and no bedding - just a cold, concrete floor. We were shocked and upset.

"Clearly we were facing an animal welfare issue and we have reported it to the appropriate authorities.

"Instead of just four we took away 15 of them, of different breeds, and in ages ranging from nine months to nine years. One has now given birth to a puppy."

Ms White said she cannot identify where the shed is, other than to confirm it is in the Canterbury area.

She added: "They are quite sweet but some are terrified of strangers and will need rehabilitation here. We believe they have never been out of that shed and so have had very little contact with the outside world.

"Animals to some people mean nothing more than money. She (the breeder) showed no signs of emotion when we took them away."

For more information on South East Dog Rescue visit www.sedogrescue.co.uk.