Police are trying to establish who owns the dogs

Fifty dogs, including four Pit Bull terriers - legally classed as dangerous dogs - were taken from premises near Katesbridge on Friday.

It was the second operation in the area within the space of 24 hours.

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it had been inundated by calls about the dogs but they could not be re-homed for weeks.

The dogs which were rescued on Friday also include Boxer, Rottweiler and West Highland Terriers.

The operation took place a mile away from where 100 dogs were found on Thursday and the USPCA's Stephen Philpott said Friday's search was a follow-up to that raid.

Mr Philpott said the animals were being kept in unsuitable conditions and that had prompted Friday's operation.

'Appalling conditions'

"We are desperately trying to find out who owns the animals last night and who owns the animals tonight," he said.

Police said 33 adult dogs and 17 juvenile dogs had been seized.

On Thursday, the USPCA said a range of breeds were found in "appalling conditions" at buildings on Circular Road.

The dogs were of various ages and pedigrees, from Rottweilers and Boxers to Jack Russells and terriers.

The operation to remove the animals was hampered when the electricity supply to the farmhouse was cut off.