Images so shocking some thought they were AI-generated
Animal welfare experts have called a “shocking” example of a growing problem a case where more than 250 poodle-cross dogs were rescued from a single property.
On social media, however, by aghast viewers they were met with accusations of using artificial intelligence (AI).
The rescuers said that the images, which are real, showed the “staggering reality” of what can happen when overbreeding causes owners to become overwhelmed and allow living conditions to spiral.
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “This shocking image is the reality of many multi-animal cases, and the situation our frontline officers seem to be confronting more and more – with reports of cases involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals on the rise”.
“We understand that people are so aghast they don’t believe what they are seeing. But this photo is not AI – it’s real.”
The RSPCA took in 87 of the 250 dogs found during the rescue, for which a location was not given.
The rest of the animals went to the Dogs Trust rehoming centre.
The animal welfare charity said that since 2021, it has seen a 70 per cent rise in multi-animal incidents involving 20 or more animals across England and Wales.
In 2025, it responded to 4,200 incidents, which involved at least 10 animals found living at the same address across the two countries.
The charity added that a rise in cruelty and neglect cases has caused a six-year high of animals in its care, with almost half in emergency boarding because many of its centres are full to bursting point.
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