Two people have been convicted after dozens of dogs which had no access to food or water and were living in their own urine and faeces were seized.

Police charged a woman and two teenagers with mistreating dozens of dogs following an investigation by officers.

Mary Connors and the teenagers were arrested following a warrant at an address in Dunmow in April 2021 where officers seized almost 30 dogs.

In total, there were 18 adults and 10 puppies.

Police who searched the address with RSPCA officers found the dogs had no access to food, water, clean bedding or toys.

Braintree and Witham Times: The dogs were living in terrible conditionsThe dogs were living in terrible conditions (Image: Essex Police)

Braintree and Witham Times: Many were without food, water, toys or clean beddingMany were without food, water, toys or clean bedding (Image: Essex Police)

None of the dogs had been identified as stolen but many were either unregistered or registered to people who denied ever owning or knowing about them, while others were unchipped.

When the dogs were examined, many were found to have injuries, were in poor condition, underweight, or kept in conditions where they were surrounded in urine, faeces and filth.

All three suspected were charged with offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Connors, 55, of Birchanger Lane, Birchanger, and the 17 year-old boy failed to attend trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on November 30 but were convicted in their absence.

The third person, a 16 year-old boy, had the charges against him dismissed.