Heartwarming pictures show the incredible transformation of the poodle-cross dogs found in conditions so bad that the RSPCA had to confirm its image was not AI-generated.

The animal welfare charity’s photo of 250 matted, filthy canines living in a dilapidated home, with some hanging out of a wood burner, had led some to claim it was fake. 

It forced the RSPCA to post more images to prove its ‘large-scale’ joint rescue mission with the Dogs Trust was genuine.

They had been in the care of an ‘extremely vulnerable, elderly owner’ who had become ‘overwhelmed’ and their living conditions had ‘rapidly spiralled out of control’.

The charity later confirmed it had attended to provide help to the owner rather than prosecute. 

Kind-hearted dog lovers who adopted some of the poodle-crosses have now posted images of the animals’ stunning turnarounds, though some still need homes.

One of the rescued pets, named Ravi, is seen happily lounging on a chair. Meanwhile, a healthy and adorable Dex had grown ‘in body and confidence’ in the three weeks since he had been adopted, his new owner said. 

‘Ours is doing so well, the RSPCA did an amazing job helping him and now us as he navigates his new normal,’ they said. 

Another sweet image shows one of the cute rescue dogs on a grey fleece blanket beside a tennis ball and toy. 

While a poodle named Lily, described as intelligent and a quick learner, is seen snuggled up with her owner on the sofa.

Many of the dogs had been taken to the RSPCA’s Radcliffe Animal Centre, in Nottingham, where some of the pets were so terrified of the outside world that they had to be carried from their kennels to the grass.

Ruth Cramer, who volunteers at her local RSPCA centre in Surrey, said one of the dogs had to be shaved under anaesthetic in one of the worst cases of matting she had ever seen.

Addressing the rumours circulating online that the picture was AI-generated, RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst made clear that the image was unfortunately genuine.

She said: ‘The public’s disbelief is understandable, but this photo is real. Over-breeding and overwhelmed owners can create staggering situations, and our officers are seeing more cases involving ten, 20, even 100 animals.’

The RSPCA told the Daily Mail that ‘due to the circumstances and the extremely vulnerable nature of the owner, it would not have been appropriate to take forward a prosecution in this instance’. 

Many of the dogs have since found new homes but two poodles, named Eva and Teddy, are still at the Radcliffe Animal Centre waiting to find new owners.

Others were sent to other RSPCA centres in Hertfordshire, Ayelsbury, Woking, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. 

This included Stevie, a deaf and blind cocker spaniel, and a poodle called Sandy.

Sandy is Stevie’s guide dog, helping her navigate the world and so the pair must be rehomed together.

They are currently living at the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire.

According to Cambs News, since the pandemic there has been a 70 per cent rise in the number of instances of animals being found living in destitute conditions. 

In April 2025 more than 80 dogs, along with two cats and a chicken, were discovered in a house in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. 

Horrid pictures showed the springer spaniels covered in their own filth – crowded together on a rotting staircase thick with dirt and grime.

After the pooches were rescued they were taken into the care of the RSPCA and since then they have been housed in loving homes across the country.

Four have been taken on by Greater Manchester Police’s tactical dog unit. 

Bruce, Pablo, Lola and Nellie undertook training to become sniffer dogs helping the force during drug busts among other serious crimes.

PC Wes Donnelly, from the unit, said: ‘We’re giving them the best life possible.

‘These dogs have gone from being neglected to having a real purpose. Providing their training goes well they’ll soon be helping us detect drugs, cash and other items that support investigations.’