The owner of an animal welfare centre which was raided by police yesterday used to run a similar shelter in Derbyshire.

Police officers and RSPCA inspectors raided the 4 Paws animal centre in Killingholme in Lincolnshire, on Thursday, March 22, after concerns had been raised about the animals living there.

Jodie Fairbrother owns the centre that was raided yesterday

Around 30 dog rescue vehicles and several Dogs Trust dog ambulances were at the site, and many of those involved in the raid were wearing special suits and masks as they entered the property.

The Grimsby Telegraph has reported the owner, Jodie Fairbrother, known as Jo, was present when the raid took place and could be seen being consoled by family members.

Miss Fairbrother ran the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Chellaston between 2006 and 2015. The centre was home to dogs, cats, ponies and goats until the owners of the site, Clowes Development, applied to build homes there.

This is when she moved to the premises in Killingholme, where it is reported she became a provider of a large number of adopted dogs, bringing them into the UK from Romania and selling them for around £235 each.

Animals being taken away from the centre

According to the 4 Paws website the business has been active in South Killingholme for the past 12 years. However, neighbours say that the centre has only been at the site on Habrough Road for the past two-and-a-half years.

The website said the centre offers "a range of services for your pets, including a low-cost veterinary service in our bespoke Veterinary clinic".

It also offers boarding kennels, dog transportation and dog rescue and adoption as well as bringing in scores of dogs from Romania as rescues.

Ponies at the centre when it was raided by police and RSPCA staff

Speaking as the raids were under way, an RSPCA spokesperson said: "RSPCA officers accompanied police as a warrant was executed at a property in Killingholme in Lincolnshire on Thursday. Dogs Trust and vets were also present to assist.

"A large number of animals were removed from the property and, as an investigation is ongoing, we cannot go into any further detail.

"If you have concerns that your pet may be at this location, please contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave your details in relation to 'Operation Cadmium'. A member of our team will contact you in the coming days."

Animals that were being kept at the clinic have been placed under the care of the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

Piles of rubbish outside the animal home in Lincolnshire

Inspector Tim Harvey of Humberside Police said: "The RSPCA is now leading on the investigation following a warrant executed by Humberside Police at an animal rescue centre in South Killingholme yesterday.

"Two people were voluntarily interviewed but no arrests were made. Any enquiries regarding this are being dealt by the RSPCA on its enquiry line 0300 123 8018 quoting Operation Cadmium."