Horses, dogs and a hen have been seized after officers carried out four warrants in north Staffordshire as part of an RSPCA investigation into animal welfare.

Two houses, a farm and a field on Stadmoreslow Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Bull Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, were searched on Wednesday (6 May).

In total, ten horses, 12 dogs, a hen, animal medical equipment and cannabis vegetation were seized and a number of other animals were voluntarily surrendered to the RSPCA.

PC Megan Griffith, of the Newcastle-under-Lyme local policing team, said: "This was a successful day alongside partners who had gathered intelligence into and received reports of possible animal neglect in the area.

"We seized more than 20 animals in total, and the premises will be visited again in the future to ensure they are complying with guidelines."

A 28-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted common assault of an emergency worker, has since been released under investigation whilst our enquiries continue.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Our officers joined Staffordshire Police who executed four warrants on Wednesday and a number of animals were seized and are now in the care of the RSPCA and other partner organisations.

"As this is now an active investigation we can't go into any further detail at this time."

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