Authorities have taken a number of pigs and chickens from an address in Kingston Vale to a "place of safety" after invoking animal welfare legislation.

Kingston Council (RBK) said they had worked with the City of London's Animal Health and Welfare Service and Met Police to help rescue the animals.

The operation was supported by RBK's Regulatory Services team who with the above authorities visited the Kingston Vale property on May 19.

Announcing the successful rescue, a spokesperson for RBK described what they found there:

"They had received reports of concerns about the welfare of animals. On arriving at the premises in Robin Hood Way, officers found a number of animals being kept in poor conditions.

"The Council seized four pigs and 54 chickens under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and the animals have been taken to a place of safety."

Three dogs at the property were also seized "under dangerous dogs legislation" the spokesperson added.

Councillor Andreas Kirsch, portfolio holder with responsibility for Regulatory Services, said:

“Our thanks go to the superb joint efforts of our Regulatory Services team, the police and staff at the City of London Animal Health Centre.

“Animal welfare is something we take extremely seriously and we will not hesitate to act if we get reports of animals being mistreated or abused in any way.

“We’re thankful the animals that were found are now in a safe place and we will continue to work with our colleagues to make sure the right outcome is reached in this case."