July 17, 2025
The IVC Evidensia Welfare Team played a central role in the Somerset-based Golden Retriever Experience case helping rescue over 20 dogs found living in severely overcrowded and unhygienic conditions.
Working alongside the RSPCA, Somerset Council, and local police, the Welfare Team provided expert on-site assessments, helping certify that the dogs were at immediate risk and supported their safe removal from the property.
In May 2024, The Golden Retriever Experience had its licence revoked by Somerset Council following an in-depth animal welfare investigation.
Once a viral social media sensation, the experience offered paying visitors the opportunity to pet and play with dozens of golden retrievers. Now, over a year later, the business's owner has pleaded guilty to multiple animal welfare offences and been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.
During the investigation, the IVC Evidensia Welfare Team was called upon to join a warranted entry at the property where the dogs from the Golden Rettriever Experience had been kept. The site was attended by IVC Evidensia’s Group Animal Welfare Advisor, Dave Martin, and Support Assistant, Mary Bouverie.
At the warrant, Dave Martin assessed the living conditions and certified the immediate removal of all the dogs. He also gathered vital evidence, producing a welfare report outlining the severe breaches on the premises.
At the house, 20 golden retrievers were found confined to a galley kitchen with a concrete floor, while other dogs were crammed into a small bedroom. They lacked adequate resources, with limited food and fresh drinking water, with some presenting calluses on their bodies.
Living in filthy, overcrowded environments, the dogs soon led to fighting injuries and infection. Veterinary reports later confirmed that two golden retrievers had died from bite wounds.
Although The Golden Retriever Experience near Minehead once attracted visitors from across the UK, the reality behind the scenes was shocking. Thankfully, following their rescue by the RSPCA, all the golden retrievers have since been rehomed or fostered, giving them a chance at a new life in loving, safe homes.
IVC Evidensia is immensely proud of the Welfare Team’s contribution to this major rescue as they continue to work in collaboration with local authorities, veterinary teams, and national welfare organisations to protect animals of all species.
Read more on this case from the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yg7p0qll1o.
Want to hear more from the IVC Evidensia Welfare Team? Explore how the Welfare Team supported the rescue of 23 exotic cats.