The owner recalled Katy’s first few days at her new home, where she initially refused to venture onto the grass.
“She stayed on the patio because I don’t think she knew what the grass was,” Wendy added.
“She did everything she needed to on there and then the second day, she was romping around the grass chasing the butterflies.
“It didn’t take her long to figure out that she was safe and she was home.”
When Katy and the other dogs were found, officers reported the kitchen being covered in dirt and faeces “from floor to ceiling”.
More than 30 dogs were crowded together on the stairs, while others climbed on the kitchen sides or cowered in corners.
Although the family responsible for the animals was inside the property, police had to force entry.
Faye Gibbons, from the RSPCA, remembered when Katy had been brought into their care.
“We could see that she was traumatised,” she said.
“The team were very shocked at just how difficult she was finding her new surroundings.
“When she first arrived, her coat was stained in urine, with faeces.
“It was just a harrowing sight and probably one of the hardest cases our team have worked on.”
