Dog-breeder dubbed Cruella De Vil kept 50 Dalmatians in 'appalling conditions'

Breeder Michelle Cousins has dozens of Dalmatians which her neighbours say are kept in appalling conditions.

On two separate occasions - once in March and also two years ago - dogs strayed off her land and were found drowned in nearby swimming pools.

Dog-breeder Michelle Cousins, dubbed the 'real-life Cruella De Vil' by neighbours, disputes the allegations levelled against her

Last week, firefighters raced to the property in Perranporth, Cornwall and rescued four Dalmatians which were stuck neck deep after clambering into a sewage tank.

The dogs are believed to descend from just one litter and some are suffering genetic faults such as deafness and blindness.

The RSPCA has removed a handful of them but says is cannot take further action because the rest are given the basic needs of food, water and shelter.

Officials say they are 'working' with Ms Cousins but animal charities are calling for urgent action to remove all the Dalmatians from her care.

Kate Fowler-Reeves, of Animal Aid, said: 'Michelle Cousins has already caused untold suffering to the dogs in her care and evidence suggests that this is set to continue.

'She has irresponsibly allowed the animals to breed out of control and, even worse, has allowed inbreeding to create dogs with congenital deformities.

Kept in appalling conditions: Some of Michelle Cousins' Dalmatians at Great Retallick Farm in Perranporth, Cornwall

'Already, her cruelty and neglect has caused the deaths of dogs and still she breeds more, selling them on and profiting from their suffering.

'Under the Animal Welfare Act, the RSPCA is within its rights to take action before animals are harmed. I sincerely hope that in this case, they do prosecute and confiscate the surviving dogs.

'Some people do not deserve the honour of keeping animals, and this real-life Cruella de Vil is one of them.'

Neighbours say the the pack of dalmatians roam free at Cousins's secluded Great Retallick Farm and that they live in poor conditions and are a noise nuisance.

It is is alleged one customer recently demanded a refund after finding out that the Dalmatian she bought for £500 was deaf induced from inbreeding.

One neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said: 'It's horrendous. They have all got mange and some of them seem to be blind.

Actress Glenn Close starred as Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians and its sequel 102 Dalmatians

'You would be absolutely horrified at some of the things we have seen and heard.

'Everyone is fed up with the howling and we have had enough. The RSPCA just aren't doing enough and have washed their hands of it.'

RSPCA Spokesman Jo Barr confirmed that at least one Dalmatian had been found dead in a swimming pool near Michelle Cousin's farm.

She said: 'We are aware of at least one occasion where a dog was found in water near to the farm.

'Ms Cousins has already agreed to sign over six Dalmatians to be seen by a vet and we have offered to take more.

'The conditions are far from ideal and twelve currently do have skin problems with mange.

'"We are visiting the farm every week and as far as we are aware there have been no new litters from some time.

'They are receiving food and water and shelter in a large barn on the land. Noise nuisance is a matter for the police.

'We are working with her but if anyone does have specific animal welfare issues we would urge them to contact us.'

Ms Cousins once owned the large detached house at the farm but as her dogs multiplied she failed to keep mortgage payments and was evicted.

A spokesman for Carrick District Council's environmental health department confirmed she now squats on the land in a caravan.

Rex Harper, a retired RSPCA warden in Cornwall said: 'People start off with the best will in the world but they get fanatical, take on too many animals and things go wrong. It's expensive enough looking after just one dog.'

Ms Cousins today claimed she was the victim of a 'witch hunt' by her neighbours.

She also denied breeding and selling dogs and claimed she operates a dalmatian rescue service.

'I have become the victim of what can best be described as a witch hunt,' she said. 'It is a campaign of harassment with the supposed aim of trying to totally discredit me.

'This is despite being made fully aware of the circumstances behind me having the number of dogs I do and the fact that some of the dogs appeared to be suffering various afflictions.

'I run a private dalmatian rescue service which, essentially, aims to give a chance of life to puppies born that have reduced or no commercial value.

'For example, they may suffer from deafness, heart problems or digestive disorders.

'I have been the victim of malicious accusations and reports to the RSPCA so I have frequently been the subject of visits.

'I have been a victim of prejudice and bullying. I am compliant with the Animal Welfare Act.'