Rescuers were left stunned after discovering more than 250 poodle-cross dogs crammed inside one home.
The huge pack belonged to a single family who lost control of their breeding, sparking a shocking spiral in numbers.
Officials say the situation quickly got out of hand due to extenuating family circumstances, with living conditions deteriorating as the number of dogs soared.
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The rescue took place at an undisclosed location.
The RSPCA took in 87 of the animals, while the rest were signed over to Dogs Trust, as reported by Need To Know.
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “This shocking image is the reality of many multi-animal cases, and the situation our frontline officers seem to be confronting more and more – with reports of cases involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals on the rise.
“We understand that people are so aghast they don’t believe what they are seeing.
“But this photo is not AI – it’s real.
“This is the staggering reality of what can happen when even well-meaning owners become overwhelmed – over-breeding can take over, and conditions can spiral out of control.”
Among the 250 dogs are Stevie and Sandy – now searching for a forever home at the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire.
Cream-coloured cocker spaniel Stevie is blind and deaf – and relies on best pal Sandy, who has become her guide.
Their future family will need to understand Stevie’s needs and help her safely navigate daily life.
A secure, private garden is essential, as neither dog has ever been walked on a lead.
Staff have been amazed by how well the pair have adapted since their rescue.
They even received a VIP visit from reality TV star Kate Lawler.
The radio DJ said: “Stevie is such a brave and beautiful dog – and I really hope she and Sandy find the perfect home together.
“It’s just amazing the way Sandy helps look after Stevie.
“I was so taken with their story, and the unbelievable situation they were rescued from.
“It’s a reminder of the dangers of multi-animal households when things aren’t kept under control, but I am so relieved that so many of the animals will get a second chance of forever home happiness.”
The RSPCA is now urging people to adopt, as it battles a surge in large-scale rescues across the south involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals at a single address.
Last year alone, more than 4,000 rescues nationwide involved at least ten animals – including nearly 400 cases in the south.
In another recent case, 20 guinea pigs were handed over by an overwhelmed owner struggling to cope.
Jo said: “We are struggling with rising reports of cruelty and neglect and over recent years more and more of those reports will involve, 10, 20, even 100 animals.
“And because they’ve been living in large groups, they may need more support until they are ready to find a new home.
“We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres.
“These large animal rescues are adding to already overwhelmed animal centres and local charities.
“We really need help from animal lovers.
“If you are considering adding a pet to your home, please consider rescuing.”
She said that complex issues such as mental health struggles and animal hoarding are partly behind the rise.
Jo added: “Serious mental health issues and complex situations involving animal hoarding are in part driving these figures.
“It’s vital that people are able to contact us – or another animal charity – where they have too many pets and are unable to cope.”
Surely these dogs will be seriously inbred ?