Dogs Rescued 84 Found in Heart breaking Squalid Home

Dogs were rescued in a heart-wrenching animal cruelty case in South Yorkshire after a man in his 60s was convicted following the discovery of 84 dogs and two cats living in deplorable conditions at his family home.

Mr David Parkes was found guilty of not ensuring the welfare of the animals after a two-day trial at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court. Mr Parkes had denied the charges, saying that his wife and son looked after the animals.

The animals were discovered at Galley Hill Farm Cottage in Tickhill in April 2025 following the RSPCA being alerted to their welfare by a member of the public due to an injury suffered by a dog who fell off a garden wall.

Dogs Rescued From an Overcrowded Home

On arrival, the police and the RSPCA discovered 80 Springer Spaniels, two adult Patterdale Terriers, two Patterdale Terrier puppies, and two cats.

The state of the premises was referred to by the judge as “squalid” and “severely contaminated with urine and feces.”

Things seemed to have spiraled beyond the point at which they could cope. When questioned about the large number of animals, he explained that the dogs had been left to reproduce “by themselves.”

Delphine Parkes, his wife aged 60, had previously told an inspector that things had “got out of control since Covid.”

Animals Found in Distress

The results of the veterinary examinations showed the full severity of the problems.

Five dogs appeared to be critically underweight, while others sustained injuries during attempts to cut off their matted coats. There were also fleas and other parasites; apparently, garlic was used to get rid of them.

“The family has got completely out of its depth,” said Prosecutor Philip Brown.

Key facts from the case:

1. 84 dogs and two cats were found at the premises.
2. The house was highly contaminated with urine and feces.
3. Five dogs were extremely underweight.
4. Some of the animals had injuries due to their matted fur.
5. All the animals have been rehomed except for one by the RSPCA.

Dogs Rescued as Family Faces Sentencing

Parkes claimed that his tough job as a child social worker was not letting him look after the child regularly. Parkes informed the court that at times he worked for 80 hours per week with vulnerable children.

He also mentioned a very traumatizing case that involved the death of a baby and a dog, as well as the death of his father in March 2025.

Yet, there were some pieces of evidence that proved that Parkes was the owner of those animals, as per their veterinary records.

His wife and son had admitted to committing the same offenses. They will all be sentenced on December 9, with the judge stating that imprisonment is still a viable alternative.

However, in the meantime, the rescued pets have been given a second chance to live their lives, being rehomed to new places.

References Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6j9xmv1pe7ko