Dutch government inspectors have impounded 72 severely neglected dogs found at a dog breeding farm in Oosterwold in Friesland.

The animals lived in  “horrendous conditions”, the inspectors said on Instagram. They also found a dead puppy.

The farm was inspected following an anonymous tip-off about the dog breeder. The animals were found crammed together in cages, covered in urine and feces. The inspectors had to wear masks because of the strong smell of ammonia, they reported.

Local services, including police and the local authorities, have taken the dogs to a shelter at the expense of the owner. The owner has also been ordered out of the property which has been closed down.

Earlier this week, national animal welfare service LID found 16 neglected dogs, eight cats and a rabbit at the house of a vet, also in Friesland. Inspectors also found bones, skulls and the carcasses of several animals. The public prosecutor has ordered an investigation into that case.

In March, a Brabant dog breeder who had repeatedly mistreated hundreds of animals over several years was jailed for 20 months, 10 suspended.