Officers from Animal Licensing Wales and police raided a dog sanctuary in Rogiet following numerous complaints, evidence of neglect and prolonged attempts to work with the owner.

Lost Souls Sanctuary, a charity which looks after dogs who have nowhere to go, was the focus of a criminal investigation and on Tuesday 15th August, an entry warrant was lawfully executed at the premises in Monmouthshire said a spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) who added: “A warrant was authorised by the courts under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following alleged neglect of a number of dogs.”

It is claimed by supporters of the sanctuary that eleven dogs were put down on the premises and the remaining 64 dogs were taken away.

Other concerned members of the public have come out on social media in support of the owner who they say is an expert dog behaviourist and has looked after the dogs which have behavioural problems and cannot be adopted.

However, MCC has said that “There have been some inaccurate and damaging posts circulating on social media platforms that have led to targeted hate messages and threats to individual officers. All incidents have been and will be reported to the police.”

Lost Souls Sanctuary claims that : “Most of the dogs that are in our care will be here for the rest of their lives. They will never have to face hunger, abuse, neglect or the trauma of being homed and returned ever again. They all live and play together, they sleep in heated kennels next to the house or in the house.

“They are with us all the time and we have a unique bond with each and every one of them. It is hard work but our reward is seeing happy dogs with bright eyes, shining coats and the will to trust and live again.

“The Sanctuary is primarily for Border Collies and German Shepherd though other breeds that had a desperate need found their way here too.”

Posting on the Lost Souls Facebook page, Clare Davies put a message on behalf of the sanctuary owner.

It said: “It has been the most horrific last few days.

“I cannot believe the amount of support I have been given, not only in the UK but overseas as well. It has been such a comfort. Thank you all so much.”

The message described hearing her dogs screaming in fear, being taken by force and said that some of the dogs had died.

The post said it was “beyond anything anyone should have to endure”.

It continued: “The rest of the dogs taken by strangers, put in crates in vans and taken away from the home they know, and love was heartrending.

“How do I feel? As if my heart has been ripped out.

“The sanctuary is usually full of the sound of dogs playing and barking.

“Now there is just silence.”

A Justgiving page has so far raised £6,000 of the £15,000 target to bring a claimed 77 dogs back home.

The site claims that “The local animal welfare attended the sanctuary and placed coloured cards on each pen categorising whether they lived or died. The pens were opened and each red card dog was dragged out on a catch pole”.

A spokesman for MCC said a qualified vet was present.

The Beacon was unable at the time of going to press to verify if any dogs were put down during the raid.