Revealed: Closed Rosedene Rescue Centre was probed for rat infestation in 2017
A dog shelter shut down amid accusations of animals being kept in poor conditions was investigated over rat infestations last year, it has been revealed.
Rosedene Rescue Centre in Rushall temporarily closed last week after volunteers removed 21 dogs they alleged were ‘at risk’.
Since then, around 1,000 people have backed a campaign for it to never re-open.
Walsall Council has also now confirmed it was in contact with owner, Desmond Goodall, about his plans to revamp the facility
The authority revealed its inspectors visited the site at Radley Road ‘on a number of occasions’ in 2017 to deal with vermin but stated the issues were addressed.
The council has moved to clarify its involvement with Rosedene in light of the damning allegations, which have been made on social media by former volunteers, people who have stepped in to rehome the dogs and customers who have bought animals from the shelter.
A council spokeswoman said: “We are aware of concerns that have been raised on social media over the alleged conditions at Rosedene Rescue Centre.
“Walsall Council takes the safety and wellbeing of animals seriously, and we would always urge the public to communicate these concerns through official channels.
"Environmental Health Officers are in communication with the owner about his future proposals for the site.”
The RSPCA said it could not comment on specific complaints in case it prejudiced any future prosecution, but vowed to look into any points made by the public.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “The RSPCA will always look into and, if necessary, investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”
Two petitions have been launched for Rosedene to be closed, one on 38 Degrees, which 1,000 people have backed, and another on www.thepetitionsite.com, which also has more than 1,000 supporters.
Mr Goodall said he was hiring a new management team with a view to revamping and re-opening the centre.
