Forty-nine dogs rescued last August from cramped cages and squalid conditions in a Balzan home will be handed back to their “reformed” owner this week, the Animal Welfare Department confirmed.

The dogs – toy poodles, chihuahuas, and pugs that were mainly kept for breeding – have been recovering in the department’s care ever since animal welfare officers, police and public health officials raided the terraced house.

Sources who contacted The Sunday Times expressed concern that the dogs, which were slowly coming out of their shells, would be returned to poor conditions.

“These dogs were so scared when they were rescued that they would slink to a corner whenever they were approached; they were full of fleas and could barely walk. They were puppy-breeding machines,” the sources said.

Although the dogs had been well fed, they were kept in confined spaces and filthy conditions where rats “as big as rabbits” roamed. None had been microchipped and some had severe skin conditions.

“What hurts most is that these poor dogs were starting to get back on their feet. They were reacting to the affection the staff that took care of them showered them with, but now they’re going back to hell,” the sources added. However, when contacted department director Joseph Vella insisted the animals were not being returned to their former “abysmal conditions”, but to alternative premises that met the department’s guidelines.

The owner, after numerous attempts and veterinary visits, had built specific pens that had appropriate ventilation, light, and space for exercise. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but the owner has shown enough goodwill that we feel confident the dogs are being returned to a decent place. We kept the dogs and treated them until he built the proper premises” Mr Vella said.

He stressed that the department’s first duty was towards the dogs’ welfare and there was no way they would be returned to an ill-fitting environment.

“We have been assured that the owner loves the dogs but he had no idea how to take care of them; he was simply hoarding them,” he said.

Attempts to contact the owner proved futile by the time of going to print.

Mr Vella added that part of the conditions for the dogs’ release was that each one had to be microchipped within three weeks and there would be follow-up inspections for the first two months. After this, the department would carry out surprise visits to ensure the dogs were being treated well.

The owner has also been slapped with an administrative fine of €10,000 as a first-time offender, but the case has yet to make it to court.

“Our only interest is that the dogs are safe.”