Nearly 50 dogs, most of them small pure breeds, have been seized from a Balzan home where they were being kept in small cages.

Animal welfare officers, police and public health officials turned up at the terraced house on Tuesday to find that the dogs were being kept in “abysmal conditions”, said Joseph John Vella, director of the Animal Welfare Directorate.

The 49 dogs included pugs, chihuahuas and two French bulldogs kept in tight cages scattered around the house, which is occupied by a family. “We don’t rule out the dogs were being kept for breeding; however, we cannot tell for sure yet,” Mr Vella said.

He said it looked as though the dogs were well fed. However, they were kept in confined spaces and their health needs were not catered for. Some had skin conditions and none of the dogs was microchipped – which is now compulsory by law. Dog owners who did not microchip their pets before the end of June may face a €300 fine per animal.

The dogs were very friendly with the officers, Mr Vella added.

Parrots, an eagle and a falcon – protected birds – were also found in the house.