A huge number of dogs have been found in poor, unclean and cramped conditions following a raid.

Police, RSPCA and council officers found a total of 65 dogs following allegations of unlicensed breeding and selling in Romney Marsh.

The joint taskforce carried out a warrant at a smallholding on Hope Lane in St Mary in the Marsh on Thursday, September 29.

It found the vast number of dogs living in poor conditions in former pig sties, stables and a static caravan.

A vet also attended and examined all of the dogs, which included large and small breeds, as well as crossbreeds.

Two dogs were taken away for immediate veterinary treatment after being certified as suffering under the Animal Welfare Act.

They are continuing to receive treatment for serious conditions and being cared for elsewhere.

Cllr Stuart Peall, Folkestone and Hythe District Council Cabinet member for Enforcement, Regulatory Services, Waste & Building Services revealed that the council, police and RSPCA had been aware of reported issues for some time, but that "efforts were made to work with the site owner" on the matter.

"Unfortunately, permission for council officers to attend the site was withdrawn by the owner," he explained.

“The licensing team’s investigation continued and when we were advised that no improvements were made, we had to resort to applying for a warrant to allow officers to check the welfare of the large number of dogs and to establish whether puppies are being sold.”

Acting Inspector Greg Pochin, of Kent Police’s Folkestone Community Safety Unit, said: “Puppies bred at unlicensed sites can be sold when they are too young, without the necessary vaccinations and with fraudulent paperwork.

“Kent Police will continue to work closely with partner agencies to assist with the investigation into such sites, help with enforcement work and, where necessary, take action against those involved.”

The investigation into the unlicensed breeding and selling of dogs is continuing. No arrests have been made.