Mystery of pet shop where animals were left to die

The owners of a pet shop abandoned scores of animals and left them to die.

Rabbits, parrots, chinchillas and snakes were found in a "dark and dank" basement full of flies.

Police forced their way into Pets' Corner in Kentish Town after they were alerted by residents. The shop had been closed for a week.

Welfare officers said they were "horrified" when they discovered the animals were unkempt and with no ventilation, food or water. They also found a dead rabbit and turtle and a deaf hamster with eyes so swollen that it could not see.

Lucy Edwards, an animal welfare officer in Kensal Green, said: "There are still a lot of unanswered questions. It was appalling. We don't know why they were left in those conditions. There was a rabbit who had just given birth and she was very anxious, running up and down and stamping. We're hoping they will go to a happy home now."

Camden council said it was considering prosecuting the shop owners for cruelty and was taking possession of the animals.