Firefighters and police were called to the scene of a RSPCA raid on a local farm, where scores of animals were removed and many others were put down by vets.

The charity rescued 50 terriers, Labradors and spaniels from White House Farm in Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourn, last Tuesday and Wednesday (14 and 15), on veterinary advice.

A concerned member of the public had contacted the RSPCA about the animals’ welfare.

During the raid three horses and a cat were also taken into the charity’s care. A further seven horses and a goat had to be put down at the farm.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said some animals have been left at the location, including horses, goats, chickens and dogs, with advice provided on their continued care.

She thanked Herts Fire Service for sending crews to the scene to help provide light on Wednesday, adding, “we were working there well after it got dark”.

A spokesman for the service said that two engines attended the raid as the shed where animals were housed had no light.

He said: “It was very dark and as the fire trucks have on-board generators and lighting rigs – which are usually used when firefighters attend accidents – we set up lighting to help the vets and RSPCA.”

A Herts Police representative said that while officers assisted at the raid, “no charges have been laid as it is a RSPCA investigation”.

The RSPCA spokeswoman said as “it is an ongoing investigation, we cannot provide further information at this time.”

It is not known how many animals remain at the farm.