AN ongoing operation to 'secure the safety and welfare' of animals is underway.

Dogs Trust vans, including a dog ambulance, have arrived at a site on Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock.

Western Telegraph:

Dyfed-Powys Police are also on the scene.

The Dogs Trust said that 37 dogs have been removed from the site.

LATEST: More than 200 animals rescued from site allegedly connected to illegal slaughterhouse

Western Telegraph:

The Dogs Trust said: “On Tuesday 29 January, we assisted Pembrokeshire County Council, and Dyfed-Powys police in attending to dogs whose welfare has potentially been compromised at a premises near Pembroke Dock.

"Thirty-seven dogs were removed from the site and Dogs Trust staff were on hand to ensure that affected dogs were safely retrieved and transported with care to Council premises in our specially equipped Animal Ambulance. The health and welfare of the dogs is our priority and we will do all we can to assist.

“As the investigation is ongoing we can’t go into any further detail at this time.”

Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "Pembrokeshire County Council can confirm that an operation has been ongoing today (Tuesday) to recover a number of animals whose welfare had been potentially compromised.

"The operation, which also involved Dyfed-Powys Police and The Dogs Trust, included the removal of some 37-dogs as well as other animals.

"The local authority has made arrangements to re-site the animals in suitable accommodation.

"Today’s operation follows two arrests earlier this week in connection with the illegal slaughter of animals and the production of ‘smokies’.

"The investigation is ongoing."

The RSPCA, said: “We have not been involved today and we understand that other agencies are leading on this matter but we stand ready to offer any support we can.

“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 and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare - or work with other agencies.

“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons.”