DOGS were kept in ‘unacceptable’ conditions at greyhound kennels in Croft, a panel has heard.

A Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons disciplinary hearing into the actions of vet Natalia Oakes found that dogs were housed in ‘unsuitable’ conditions at Cottage Kennels, based at Rough Farm on Winwick Lane.

Ms Oakes received a formal warning from the RCVS after being found guilty of ‘disgraceful conduct’, with the veterinary surgeon having falsified welfare assessments at the greyhound racing kennels in August 2016.

The panel heard that around this time Greyhound Board of Great Britain licensed trainer Louise Eccles left more than 80 greyhounds in the care of husband Rod following the breakdown of their marriage.

Shortly afterwards, Ms Oakes signed off forms stating that there were 55 greyhounds living in ‘acceptable’ conditions at Cottage Kennels.

But the RCVS was told that ‘neither assertion’ was true, with a considerable amount more dogs housed on the premises and some kennels and facilities found to be ‘not in an acceptable condition’.

The panel heard that Ms Oakes was aware that there were at least 80 greyhounds on the site and that ‘unsuitable kennels were being used to house dogs’.

Ms Oakes herself described the conditions as ‘inadequate, makeshift and unsuitable’.

But she ‘maintained throughout that everything she did was in the best interests of animal welfare’.

She had signed the forms on the basis that Mr Eccles claimed that he planned to return around 30 dogs in the kennels who belonged to other people, or who had retired and would be rehomed.

The RCVS panel said: “The respondent signed the form because she hoped to keep Mr Eccles on side, and in the hope that he would not change his mind in relation to the removing and rehousing of dogs from the kennels.

“The committee considers that she allowed her passion for the welfare of the greyhounds that she was attempting to rescue to cloud her judgement.

“The committee considers that this was a single and isolated incident, the respondent has a long and unblemished career over some 14 years and has demonstrated insight into the offences and the disgraceful conduct that she committed.

“The committee has no doubt that the respondent is completely dedicated to the welfare of animals and presents no future risk to animals.

“For the reasons set out, the committee has decided that it will be sufficient for the respondent to be given a formal warning as to her future conduct.”