Following the horrible arson attack in which eight dogs were doused in petrol and burned alive, two persons have been taken into custody.
The owners were heartbroken to wake up to the sound of dogs howling in distress and see flames rising from the family kennels.
Firefighters determined that the fire was intentionally started, prompting police to open an investigation. Two suspects, a 25-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, have been taken into custody.
Two French bull dogs, a pregnant cocker spaniel, a bull cross, and three bull greyhounds, according to kennel owner Emma Frowen, 42, perished in the fire that began at around two in the morning on Sunday, July 17.
A Mother of three, Ms Frowen said: ‘We could see all the sheds where all the dogs were, flames as high as the house – and everything up in flames.’
The kennels were located at an allotment close to the family’s home in Rhymney, Caerphilly, and some of the dogs there belonged to friends.
When they arrived at the scene, the fire department had been called by neighbours in a last-ditch effort to save the dogs.
My son tried to kick the doors open and rip them open, but he was burning his hands, the woman claimed.
The second son of Ms. Frowen also made an attempt to rush in and assist, but his hands burned.
When the fire department arrived, the dogs’ yapping and howling could still be heard, but then all sound disappeared, according to the woman. All of them were dead.
‘We weren’t allowed in there because the roof had collapsed. We weren’t allowed to touch the dogs until forensics came.’
She was later given sheets and blankets to carry the burned bodies out of the ruined kennels.
One dog managed to escape from the kennels but was later found with 80 per cent burns and needed to be put down.
Police said eight dogs in total died in the arson, which Ms Frowen blasted as a ‘sick, vile attack’ adding: ‘It was horrendous, absolutely horrendous. My children are all heartbroken. We just haven’t got any words.
‘The police were crying as well – the lady sergeant. Everyone was just sobbing down there because they had never seen anything like it.
‘For someone to come and do that they need locking up because they are absolutely twisted and sick in the head. There is something seriously wrong with people like that.
‘We just want them caught and put in prison and punished for what they’ve done. Until they are locked up and behind bars we don’t feel safe.
‘To be honest I don’t feel safe in my own house at the moment. Could they come and do it here? They’re just animals – absolute animals, those people.’
Gwent Police said they arrested the 25-year-old man and 17-year-old on suspicion of criminal damage by arson.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: ‘Officers are continuing to make further enquiries at this time and there will be a significant presence of officers in this area of Caerphilly as our enquiries are ongoing. Please do not be alarmed.
‘We’ve made two arrests at this time and while I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our community, I would urge people to consider how their commentary particularly on social media can impact an active investigation.
‘High-visibility patrols have increased in the area to provide reassurance following this report to us.
‘If you have any concerns at this time, please take the time to talk to us.’
They said the man had been released on bail and the 17-year-old was being held in custody.
A spokesman for RSPCA Cymru said: ‘We are very sad to hear about this upsetting incident and would urge anyone with information to contact Gwent Police. Our thoughts are with the owners of these poor dogs during this distressing time.’